Same way my wife and our family did. My wife was never a big church goer, but always Spiritual through Yoga and meditation. After her diagnosis, she became extremely spiritual in a Catholic sense. She gave herself over to God, so that whatever was meant to happen we would be open. 3 weeks after her first surgery and 2 weeks after we learned that the cancer had spread, a healing priest, which NEVER happens, came our Parish. I had to act as a "Catcher," which meant that those overcome with relief or joy would basically faint and I would keep them from becoming a bloody mess. In doing that, I got to follow the Priest as he went person to person. Now, I don't know what Jesus looks like, but that was as close to Jesus coming to me on this plane of existence that I will ever get. You had to be there to feel it, but it was very, very real. Anyway, my wife went before him and felt the same thing. At that moment, there was no doubt about God. There was worry about the unknown of what was going to happen, but no doubt.

 

Here's what I would say to someone who is suffering, or is close to someone that is suffering or that they will lose. Having faith, losing faith, either way, it will not bring a person back or heal their physical pain. However, if there was never any pain, if there was never any worry, there would never be any questioning of faith. Then, and only then (IMO), can you truly hear God speak to you. That is the moment when you find God. You may not agree with God's plan, you may be angry, but you will not doubt his existence if you are open.

 

That is powerful stuff.

 

It reminds me of Romans 5. The Christian can even boast in hardships, because it produces a stronger faith, and brings us closer to maturity.

 

"3 we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us."

So I have neglected this thread, and wanted to give my 2 cents. I do believe in a forgiving God. Christ died so that we would be saved.

 

However, I think that God being forgiving is often mis-understood. I think God is forgiving to those who are trying to strengthen their faith in him, and those trying to become better people.

 

I know I'm being judgmental in some capacity, but I think a lot of people who consider themselves Christians have a pretty soft idea of God in this matter. In a sense, they aren't taking their faith seriously enough.