My face is still wet with the tears I shed while watching a video--a tribute to one of singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman's three beautiful Chinese-born adopted daughters. I just found out about the tragic, accidental death of five-year-old Maria. Chapman is a tireless advocate for adoption. Why did this happen, God?
God is not offended by the question. He knows what it's like to lose someone--his own Son suffered greatly before enduring a humiliating death. And Jesus did not accept his fate blissfully. But "for the joy set before him, he endured the cross, thinking nothing of the shame". What was the joy set before him? His death paid the price we deserved to pay for our sins. He made a way for us to be forgiven. We can have fellowship with God forever. So good came from bad.
I can't imagine the suffering the Chapman family is living with now. God promises that "those who go forth in tears, bearing precious seed, will come again with joy, bringing their fruit with them". I don't know how God will make good out of bad for the Chapmans. Maybe people will be motivated to adopt because of this, rescuing precious children. Maybe some mourners will draw near to God for the first time at her funeral, finding eternal life. But one thing I do know: the Chapmans will be reunited one day...soon. And God will wipe away every tear.
Update--The Chapmans have asked that well-wishers donate to their adoption-aid charity in lieu of flowers, and more than $500,000 has been raised so far.
