by Mrs.Virginia Larson

In the spring of 1998 my mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. During the time of grieving, I was led to the book of Psalms. I found great peace in God's Word, as I adjusted to the loss of my sweet mother. I didn't know at that time that God was preparing me for yet a greater tragedy that was soon to follow.

As fall approached, of the same year, my 15 year old son Michael was diagnosed with leukemia. I was devastated by the fact that my son would have to suffer through chemotherapy and radiation treatments; knowing there might be a possibility that Michael could loose his life.

Again the Lord directed me to the book of Psalms. As I reflect on the times of great trial with Michael's leukemia treatments, many wonderful verses of encouragement and comfort remain dear to my heart:

Psalm 34:18 The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 46:1 God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

One time in particular, when Michael was being sedated for a bone marrow and spinal tap his blood pressure suddenly dropped to a critical level and they had to give him artificial respiration.

I held Michael's hand, as if I could prevent him from slipping into eternity, and prayed- Psalm 141:1 "LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee."

Nothing else needed to be said. The presence of the Lord immediately filled the hospital room as the Great Comforter, the Holy Spirit, brought to mind another verse of spiritual consolation from Isaiah 41:10. " Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

It is this promise from God that makes being a child of God so wonderful. His grace is truly sufficient for me. For, not only do we have the promise of eternal life with Him in glory, we also have the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us. "...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

On October 8, 2001, Michael Larson, age 18, went home to be with the Lord.  The Larson family live in Greenville, South Carolina.  To know more about the comfort and peace that Virginia Larson writes, of in her testimony, please visit Promise of Hope.

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