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ne year after we got married my wife gave birth to our first child, a son. But the first joy subdued quickly. A few hours later it was found that Daniel had a very severe congenital heart defect. The first operation was done when he was just three days old. Over the years four more operations followed. Despite his weak heart, he was a very cheerful boy. He was open and friendly to everybody, was good at school and had many friends. He had a strong belief in Jesus, he prayed a lot, and he loved to go to church. All this even or maybe, because he had been so ill. When he was 9 years old, he decided to get baptized. But soon after his baptism his health began to deteriorate. A high blood pressure built up in his lungs and this affected all internal organs. He was hospitalized more and more. The kidneys, lung and liver worked less and less. Then one morning the chief doctor took us aside. ﾒDuring the last night Danielﾕs heart became weaker. We had to give him very strong medication to keep it working. I am afraid we cannot do that anymore.ﾓ So we went to his bed and were at his side when his heartbeat became slower and finally stopped. The pain was nearly unbearable. I was a Christian for more than 20 years, had big faith in God that he would heal Daniel, but suddenly a new dark page in my book of life was opened. I realized how little control we have over our lives. All my scientific knowledge and the skills of the doctors could not save Danielﾕs life. My money could not sav Danielﾕs life. It newly and forcefully reminded me that only God knows our future and that he has our life in his hands.
The weeks and months of grieving after Daniel's death were hard, but the thought that Daniel is in heaven now with the Lord he loved so much gives us some comfort.
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ut Daniel's story does not end here. When Daniel passed away, my wife was 3 months pregnant with our fourth child. When the time came, my wife gave birth to a healthy boy, Misha. It is amazing to see how much he resembles Daniel. I prayed many times that God would heal Daniel. He decided not do so and take him to heaven. But he gave us a second, healthy boy. Even though the grief about Danielﾕs passing away will most probably never go away, it is good to see how God keeps his promises.
The Lord promises to be with those who believe in him. Even when we walk in the shadow of death, He is with us. ﾒEven though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.ﾓ (Ps. 23:4)
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lease never forget that God is greater than our problems. Misha is the best witness that Godﾕs caring love is reality. I encourage you to seek God, even you might be in difficult times. He promised he would seek you. When Jesus knocks at the door of your heart, let him in and let him heal you from your pain.