Rusty Benson
AFA Journal associate editor
October 2008 – As you can imagine, there is a lot of talk around AFA these days about the presidential race. As we go to press with this issue of the AFA Journal, much of the conversation has to do with Sen. John McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Will she attract undecided women voters? Does she have enough experience?
However, one issue that I have not heard discussed around here is the revelation that Palin’s 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. I’ve heard conversations about how the media has reported the issue. And I’ve heard expressions of disgust at the shameful comments that have appeared on some Internet blogs. But I’ve observed absolutely no finger-wagging or guilt-tripping aimed at the Palin family. That might surprise some outside Christian circles.
You see, one thing that real Christians understand is heartbreak and trials. The Bible clearly shows us that troubles are part and parcel of the Christian life. For often they are God’s instruments to build our faith, the book of James reminds us. But the thing that I will never fully get over is that He is able to use even our own sins – and those of our children – in that process.
For our family one such trial began when our daughter Emory moved away from home to college. By the end of the first semester, my wife Ann and I both noticed how defensive and sullen Emory had become, especially when we would inquire about her new life and friends. Ann began to pray that God would expose Emory’s sin and reclaim His covenant child. Seldom a week goes by that I don’t relive in my mind the day He began to answer that prayer with a crushing weight of grace.
Ann and I had just returned home from visiting our oldest son and his wife who lived some nine hours away. Our bags were still in the living room when an unfamiliar car pulled into the driveway. The car had barely come to a stop when the back door flew open, Emory rushed out and onto the sidewalk leading to the front door.
A dad’s instinct told me something was very wrong. We met at the front door. Through tears, she exploded with the news that would change our family’s life forever: “Daddy, I’m pregnant!”
The days and weeks that followed were consumed by long conversations, long silences, long nights and long prayers. Ann and I struggled to fit our new reality into what we knew was forever true about the character and attributes of God.
In the end, we were confirmed in what we already knew about sin: its consequences are profound. At the same time, we were powerfully reminded that even in the midst of the trials we bring on ourselves, God proves Himself to be amazingly gracious to those who seek Him. Sometimes His grace came through His Word; other times in inexplicable providences; and almost daily through close friendships within our circle of fellow believers.
Why would God do that? After all, we often pull troubles down on our own head. It is surely some unfathomable part of His being that would fold sinners into His eternal plan to glorify Himself.
Emory gave birth 12 weeks before the baby was due. Our granddaughter was only two pounds, one-half ounce when she was born. A tragic stroke of bad luck, some might say. But in reality, this, too, turned out to display God’s all-sufficient greatness.
If I were to recall all of God’s blessings since our first grandchild was born, they would fill a book. I shall mention only two. First, Graci (What else could she be named?) is now a very healthy three-year-old. Secondly, her wonderful mother has returned to Christ.
Prayer answered. Mercy shown. God glorified. Worship given. 
