“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). God never promises us that life will become easier just because we believe in Christ. In fact, He informs us that our lives may become more difficult in some ways. We should not be surprised when trials arise to test our faith.
“… but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be [tried] above that ye are able …” (1 Corinthians 10:13). We know God’s hand has prepared us for each trial from before our birth. For instance, God assigned David’s DNA mutation and Bethany’s DNA deletion, which when combined, results in each of our kids having a 25% chance of early-onset Battens disease (CLN1). Given that the number of total CLN1 cases ever diagnosed is in the 200’s—it’s the rarest type of Battens disease—we figure CLN1 must be about 1 in 40 million and we as a couple may be about 1 in 10 million. For all these circumstances to perfectly take place requires ultrarare and unique correlation. How could we not see in faith the design and will of God written all over this?
Yes, we admit there are hard moments watching our daughters’ lives fading before our eyes. Yes, there are moments when we are mentally and physically exhausted from caring for our girls and losing excessive sleep. Yes, there are times when we wonder, “what if?” And yet despite all of this, we know with confidence this is God’s will for us. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Phil. 1:6). This promise is our confidence that God is performing a good thing through this trial. He will see this through until the day of Jesus Christ’s return. God has given us reassurance in His words that He has had this perfect design laid out for us from the beginning of time which He intends to fulfill.
This fiery trial does not appear strange to us; we have assurance knowing God planned this happenstance as He deemed best. We are consoled trusting He is working on our sanctification as we proclaim in confidence that God is always, only good.
-David and Bethany