Have you ever experienced something that could be called “a severe mercy”? It’s a tragedy or heartbreak that brings about reconciliation or closeness to God, but at the severe price of loss. This is the phrase C.S. Lewis used to describe a marriage of two of his friends.
“Severe mercy” has come to one of our Haven listeners. She and her two sons suffered under years of abuse by her husband, the boys’ father. Grown now, neither of the sons has any relationship with their parents.
Yet this woman is able to give praise to God for a circumstance that has come her way: her husband’s diagnosis and progression into Alzheimer’s disease. She had begged God to grant her time with her spouse the way he was early in their marriage. Alzheimer’s has given that! Though a severe outcome, it has also been a reflection of God’s mercy. Her husband now is calm, kind, and quick to give hugs.
If you’re in the midst of a trial even now, know that the Lord’s mercies will not end. Sometimes blessings are disguised. Hang on; a new day will come.