Sharon, I am so happy for your son and your family. That is truly incredible!
But so many good people do not have this luck. Does that mean God comes through selectively? If so, that seems wrong. (And again, there is no snark in my tone. This has genuinely been a BIG question for me that makes no sense.
I can completely understand the doubt, I really can....so many things bad happen...such as Tim dying, and the kids hurt so bad...then of course the road to recovery. I asked this question of my pastor, "Why does God not answer my prayers" It was explained to me like this...like parents, God has got to say no to things that can maybe effect our years down the line. The purpose we originally came to exsist for. For example: If a child wants chocolate, why do parents say not to much or no?? Because they can get sick, it is not that we do not want our children to have it but it is for there own good. OK so maybe we ask God for that jo or to keep the relationship going strong or simply to save someone's life...He has to say no to things once in awhile, not that he wants to see us hurting, what parent (God), wants to see that. But he can forsee into the future as to where that realstionship or job, etc...just is not good for us as we may think it is. There are other reasons our prayers get ignored.
Lack of Faith in God - MATT 21:22 (NLT) You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.
Ok so we see that verse and say, well I believe in God why am I being ignored....Well maybe our hearts are not pure enough and maybe just maybe we are still doing the bad stuff such as Gossip, lying, hurting others, etc...therefore we are not walking totally with him....see my point??
another reason- wrong motives- James 4:2-3 (NLT) Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it> And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-you want only what will give you pleasure.
Ok so we look at this, and actually it makes sense, How many times have we said"God if you help me through this, I will give myself to you..I'll come to church, I'll be better person, just please see me threw this? I can admit I do it all the time...along those lines. Well God is trying to tell us something here, those promises to change just are not cutting it. God is waiting for us to show him the unselfish heart.To show him we rely on him fully and except he is in control of everything period. We are not in control of things he is.
For example: We I was holding Tim and Tim was dying I begged God to take me instead...well obviously that did not happen. It was Tim's time to go, and God needed me to remain here, I am still figuring out why, but you know there is a reason. If God listened to my prayers in sadness and confusion and desperation, then if I did die, where would that have left my children? Ok so then I also same day within minutes prayed, God save my kids please...well ok...he did, eventhough the injuries were so horrible in Mason, look at how fast and fully almost that little boy pulled threw. Honestly, he by all rights with that degree of brain injuries could of died, for 12 days he laid in a coma..12. That brings us to the date of 08-13-2010...now a month later look at the young boy, he is almost recovered. I believe it is because so many I mean many are unselfishly praying for this baby. Just look at his facebook page. Tons of people heard about this accident and were so sad by it. Ok so back on track, how many times did we say, you know what God please let so and so be in my life, and let it work out?? Ok well maybe so and so was not for us eventhough wereally loved that person..Ok so why did God allow me and Tim to be together just to take him from me....well honestly I do not fully know, but my heart says this...I would of not pasted the chance at a minute of true love then to never experience it ever. The love we had was so intense and beautiful, I believe it will carry thru me the rest of my life. He made an impact on who I am and what I will do in the future. He also opened my eyes to how to freely love. That was Tim's gift to me. So, you see maybe that was Tim's purpose, some may say thats nothing, but is it??
Ok so am I angry with God, heck yeah, what kid is not mad at their parents (God), and am I hurt by his choices???Yes, deeply. But who am I to question the big guy. I am one of many whom have had the pain and horrifying decisions and consequences.
Ok back on track...
ISA 59:1-2 (NLT) Listen! The Lord's arm is not weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear your call,.It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sons, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.
Wow pretty heavy there..Yes, we all sin, but are we changing it or remaining on the same pattern of life? I do not know if any of this helped you. I actually have been finding comfort lately in God, because the experience I went thru was so horrific for me to even understand, but honestly...the church has been helping understand the why's. Now if I can sit here and tell you Yes there is a God, and you know first hand the horror I just went threw in my life, then please take it into consideration a bit. Read the verses for yourself, and believe it or not call a pastor..I got an awesome one so if you want his number let me know. People can help you reconnect with God, but you got to be ready. But you got to have an open mind too...ok so about now there will be a few to make fun of me, and you know something It will not bother me at all..Hey, I got lucky as ever. That is a miracle fully. I saw it for myself so I got my proof, maybe you all's proof is next in different ways, but if you close yours eyes to tight you will miss the messages and the chances God is trying to show you.
OK hopes this helps some..