I’ve been reading a brilliant book that I think you all should read. You can buy it here. I’d suggest you by 5 copies and give them out to people you love.
It’s an extraordinary testimony of how the Lord sustained a family through the unimaginable. It’s the sort of story that would keep you awake at night, worrying it might happen to you. Except that if you read the book, you won’t do that. You come away with a bigger view of God’s goodness, faithfulness and generous provision.
The chapters are short, so this could be read by a new parent who’s not getting enough sleep, or even by someone who is suffering a hard time themselves. Brad Franklin is honest and down to earth and clearly has a pastor’s heart. He’s full of encouragement. Every time I’ve picked this book up to read a section, I’ve come away feeling encouraged. It’s quite miraculous.
If you don’t want to know the story, just go ahead and buy a copy here. As always, I’m not getting anything for telling you this. I was given a copy of this book by a lovely lady who actually reads my blog (Hi Catherine!) who I met at a wedding. My decision to recommend the book to you was entirely my own.
SPOILER ALERT: Read on if you’d like to know the context.
Brad Franklin’s wife Megan died very suddenly at the end of December 2019. She was eight months pregnant with their seventh child. The child survived, but as Megan went to be with Jesus, Brad was left alone with seven children, including a newborn.
Except he wasn’t alone. This is the story of how God provided for him and his family. I know some of his boys because I work in their school. They are a delight. I wish this hadn’t happened to them, but I trust that God in his wisdom is working for their good. And reading more about their story has helped me to see that even when the unthinkable happens – yes, even then – God is good.
If you’re having a hard time right now and just trying to keep your head above water, here are some words from Brad:
Christian, if the sun goes down and you still trust in Christ for your salvation, if you still love God and want to serve him – that day is a success. Whatever else happened that day, God has kept you. That’s a good day. (p.138)
We will all suffer in this life. Jesus said we’ll have trouble. Books like this can help to prepare us for hardships, and equip us to help others through those times, too. God gives us church family, and he displays his glory through them. This is largely a book about the glory of the church. Brad writes, ‘I so desperately wanted God to be glorified in healing Megan. That didn’t happen, but he was glory in ways I didn’t anticipate.‘ (p.93) I know, this brought tears to my eyes as I read it in an A&E waiting room a couple of weeks ago.
Praise God for his manifold wisdom. Brad isn’t just saying these things because they sound like the right things to say. You can tell that he really means them.
When things get serious, or even tragic, knowing Jesus really does make all the difference in the world.
‘When peace like a river attenders my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.’
Horatio G. Spafford
“In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.“John 16.33
Mum in Zone One 