by:  Cris Corzine-McCloskey

It’s my birthday week, and I am missing my sweet Daddy so much it hurts. On last year’s birthday card, he included a scripture for me. It’s from Ephesians, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that we ever dream, hope, or ask for…to Him be the glory.”

Dad didn’t share that scripture arbitrarily. He believed God was speaking a promise over my life. After I read the scripture, we celebrated my birthday with cake and lots of laughter. Four months later, he was gone. I had been promised exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ask. I had asked for Dad to live, yet he was gone. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

My Daddy passed away on January 12. At that point, Coronavirus was something happening over 7,000 miles away. There was no face mask requirements or quarantines. But all that was right around the corner. The moment I heard the nursing homes had gone on lockdown, I was able to see past my pain to God’s mercy. Had Daddy been locked away from us, I believe it’s more than Mom and I could have handled. I know it’s more than he could have handled. God knew that, as well.

Now, I can’t help but reflect on that scripture and the faithfulness of God. I’ve had my share of heartache and pain, but through it all, God has never, ever let me down. I have been stuck on a new song by Rhett Walker and feel it’s the perfect summation of my life. It’s entitled “Good to Me,” and it goes like this:
“When it all don’t go the way I planned. When I work so hard for what I still don’t have. When my best is just not good enough, when the clouds turn dark and gray, I know you’ve always made a way. And I will look this storm in the eye. I won’t fear for you’re on my side. My first hope, my last word, now and forever. Let It rain, let it pour, I will sing. All you’ve ever been is good to me.”

“At my very worst, you show me love. When I turn my back, you don’t give up. And you meet my needs, you always have. Steady and strong, through the good and the bad. Constant and faithful, Proven and able, you’re all that I’ll ever need. So, I will look this storm in the eye. I won’t fear for you’re on my side. My first hope, my last word, now and forever. Let it rain, let it pour, I will sing. All you’ve ever been is good to me.”

Quite often, the only thing that stands between us and happiness is letting go of a desired outcome, and trusting God knows best. When I let go of the idea that God let me down when Dad died, I was able to see His fingerprints of faithfulness all over the loss. I still miss Dad every day, but I have peace that my Heavenly Father always knows best.

So, as I prepare to get another year older, I can’t help but smile. I picture Dad and Jesus eating birthday cake in my honor. I imagine Dad telling Jesus his favorite silly jokes. And they laugh and laugh. That’s what’s waiting for me on the other side. Today and forever, Jesus is exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ever dream, hope, or ask for. Thanks, God, all you’ve ever been is good to me.

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2 Responses

  1. My wonderful Cris- Happy Birthday to you!
    I am so very thankful that the Lord brought you into my life.
    Equally so, I am sorry for your heart pain.
    I have to tell you how much I love your ability to see God’s goodness and his hand in everything.
    You’re in my prayers always. Happy birthday again, with love.

    • Happy Birthday, Cris!!!! Such a powerful word!! Such an encouraging words!!
      Father God, is The Glory and the Lifter Up of our heads!! True That Word “Father God all You have ever been is good to me”!!!!!!

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