Real Obedience + Real Pain: The Mitchell Family

When I wrote the last blog post, ending with Philippians 2:8(NASB),  

"Being found in appearance as a man, [Christ] humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

I never expected to hear about someone who I know of - have seen in person, is friend and sister to my friends, to be called to make good on this command. We read: 

"Have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (verse 5)

A member of Christ's body has been given a death sentence from medical professionals, yet Courtney has chosen life. She chose life for her unborn child, even if she dies as a result. (You can like this page to read their story and update prayer requests) 

She has chosen to obey in a powerful way. Arguably the most powerful way. And to leverage her life on the grace of a loving God, the living hope of a risen Lord.

In the waking nightmare, what reality can we offer that comforts? The whole situation sounds like a sick joke; and there is sickness, but the punch line is that it's real. In the body of Christ, how do we get past the crushing heaviness with more than callousness? 

Because cheap anecdotes have the hot breath of antagonism to pain, and Jesus said that if we follow Him we have to pick up our crosses. 

2:20am aside, it's not adding up. At this point, a heart of stone sounds pretty appealing for reasons a heart of flesh does not. The pain of this world glimmers salty tetelestai again, and the clang of hostile swords sounds more like an echo of doom in a penny jar run dry. 

And this is supposed to be the same God who thunders: 

See now that I, I am He, 

And there is no god besides me; 

It is I who put to death and give life. 

I have wounded and it is I who heal, 

And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

Deuteronomy 32:39

And He is. 

But what right do I of all people have to be typing any of this in the comfort of my bed?? 

The faithfulness of the Mitchell family is already speaking, 
and none of us can add to or subtract from the sovereignty of God. 

What I can do is obey the instructions set forth in Colossians 3:15-16, and gratefully point to a spiritual song:

Find hope when all the world seems lost  

Behold: the triumph of the cross 

His power has trampled death and grave 

Our life found in His name

The greatest name of all 

Lift up our eyes see the King has come 

Light of the world reaching down for us

There is no other name 

There is no other name 

Jesus Christ our God