Several posts ago I was asked to pray for Stephanie Vest (I attached her picture) by one of my friends here in Anthem. I've done so relentlessly and cried out to God for this person I don't even know personally. Over the months, I feel as though I have gotten to know her through the blog her friends and family keep to update everyone on her health (http://www.stephanievest.com/). I woke up this morning to see how she was doing and, sadly, read that Stephanie died last night. She was a few years younger than me. I'm 37. That's young! She has 3 little children. I can't understand it, I truly can't. I know, however, I will never understand God's plan this side of Heaven. It doesn't make it easier (especially for her husband, children, parents, and friends).

The thing is, I've seen God's work in this girl (from afar). Her sister was saved in the midst of this tragedy. Lives have been impacted tremendously and we will never know how many people will accept the Lord as a result of Stephanie's suffering. God's plan is always, always for good....and as human people with human minds, it is nearly impossible to understand how suffering can bring good. But, God promises that it does.

This past week our pastor spoke at length about death (ironically....or not). Something that was particularly comforting to me (in still dealing with my own grandparents deaths) is that, for the Believer (that is the Follower of Jesus), dying is like falling asleep...then waking up in Paradise. To know that Stephanie (and my Grandparents), at the moment of death, woke up in the presence of God in Paradise gives me goosebumps....and unexplainable joy....for them. For me, I am left here to deal with the sadness and grief...but, for the Believer....Paradise!!!!