Sustaining Grace

In the past 24 hours, I have learned of 3 very sad situations involving adoptive families.
One of these families adopted 2 Liberian children from Acres of Hope shortly before we did. The husband died unexpectedly this week ...he was the father of 6. God's sustaining grace is at work in the life of this beautiful family in the midst of their heartache.
here is a link to their family blog http://lazydranch8.blogspot.com/

I also learned of a young 28 year old mom who was tragically killed in a car accident last week as her husband was flying home from Africa where they planned to return to do mission work. She and her husband adopted 2 children from Ethiopia .Thankfully, the children's lives were spared in the accident but now her husband and children face a new season of life without her. It is obvious that God's grace is sustaining this precious family.
http://cold-water-news.blogspot.com/

Finally I learned of a couple in Liberia right now to bring home 2 little boys and a little girl. Their baby girl died of malaria while they were with her. In the midst of their great sadness, I am sure they will have stories to share of God sustaining and carrying them through this great loss.
All of this sadness reminded me of the following John Piper poem.
Not grace to bar what is not bliss,
Nor flight from all distress, but this:
The grace that orders our trouble and pain,
And then, in the darkness, is there to sustain.

What a comfort it is to know that He sustains us and orders our trouble and pain. My devotions yesterday focused on the following verse.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4

At the time I read this I confess I did not fully appreciate the significance of it, but 24 hours later I am so thankful for the word of God that speaks life and truth to every situation we will ever face.
If you feel led, please lift these families up before the throne of grace.
So grateful today for the bedrock truth that He is sovereign in all things,
MamaB