Comments on: Finding Meaning in Layla’s Struggle

By: Shelley

Shelley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:46:51 +0000

I have found myself becoming bitter at times, after reading of such suffering of a sweet child….and like so many, I find myself asking why? I do know that God has to allow things to happen in this world, but I also know that he can make anything happen that he wants to happen. The hardest part for me is not that I don't understand why He hasn't performed a miracle in this situation, but why he continues to allow the suffering of this sweet child. It just came to me though, that in times of weakness and doubt, that's when the devil will take advantage and try to control our thoughts and emotions. So, in my time of weakness and doubt, I refuse to let the devil make me doubt God's presence, and his almighty power! I will praise God for giving this family strength, and comforting them in this horrible time. I will find other ways to praise God during this horrible time, and I will not let the devil take over any of my thoughts…..he will get NO satisfaction from me!

By: sharon lupo

sharon lupo — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:24:53 +0000

It all goes back to Jesus' suffering. He suffered for us so that we may have faith, hope and eternal life. Layla Grace is also suffering for us again so that we may have faith, hope and eternal life. God is an awesome God who gave Layla Grace to us on earth so that we may grow stronger in faith. She is the miracle we pray for. She has touched thousands and thousands of people's hearts and souls and is proof there is a God. The kindgom of God is here and now. We all have our cross to carry and unfortunately Layla Grace and her family are carrying a heavy one. God does not take us where He can not protect us. May God continue to bless the Marsh family and their extended faith family all over the world.

By: Christine

Christine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:37:51 +0000

I am having really hard time understanding…I know that God has a purpose for everything He does. But WHY have her suffer so??? I am angry. I have three children of my own, one who resembles sweet Layla. I could NOT find the strength or courage to watch my baby suffer with so much pain. His plan may not be to heal her. His plan may be to take her from this world, from her parents loving arms. But why is part of his plan to have her suffer….I am trying hard not be angry, but I am. I am angry with God. I want to have a stronger faith in Him, but it is really hard when she is suffering so much.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:49:08 +0000

I also want to thank you for sharing this blog with the public. Because, I know that I find myself struggling with the same things that you have mentioned and as the previous comments have mentioned. But, I always turn to my faith and your blog is also helping me to understand things. Sometimes, we just have to be reminded of our faith because we get so caught up in the worldly things. It is a miracle and a blessing in itself that Layla Grace is still on earth after the doctors say otherwise. She is already a testimony that GOD is in control. There is no one on this earth that can put a timeline on our life! Only God knows what His plans are for us. He is in the Marsh household… and He knows the plans he has for little Layla. I am STILL and will remain praying for a miracle!! GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!

By: Allena

Allena — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:30:19 +0000

What wonderful perspective! I hope I can start to turn some of these tears of sorrow into tears of joy. Her suffering will be short, her time in God's favor – eternal.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:43:15 +0000

Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? I too cry and get angry…why is God causing this little girl to have pain and suffering? Humans like to understand why things occur and make sense out of them…it's natural. This is where I return to my first question – how do you see the glass? Put your faith in God…Layla's life is the glass half full…she has done so many wonderful things…don't think about her suffering for a moment. How has she changed this world? We pray for a miracle. Maybe God sent her to BE the miracle we all pray for. She has done so many amazing things for others…without evening knowing or trying. She is just Layla Grace. God's Miracle. When I start to cry I remind myself that I see life as the glass half full and my tears soon turn to joy and thanks.
Thank you Pastor Michael, for posting this. I love hearing the word of God applied to my life as I live it.

By: Allena

Allena — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:24:11 +0000

I have been trying so hard to understand what is happening to Layla, even though I know it is not in God's plan for us to understand everything. I keep telling myself to pray for peace and not understanding, but I am human and want so badly to understand why God would make this precious angel suffer so greatly. I agree that she has done more in her short life than many could ever hope to do. I really needed something like this to help me process what is happening to her. I pray daily for a miracle to heal her, but I think no matter what, her sweet life IS a miracle.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:08:14 +0000

I have been following Layla's story for a grand total of 7 days. In those 7 days I have cried for her, hoped for her, smiled for her and prayed for her and all those who surround her. Little Layla has changed me. I think of her several times a day. I too have a 2 year old daughter who is a few months older then Layla. This story has made me more appreciative for the little things and more patient with her. Praying for peace for Layla.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:06:49 +0000

What an awesome testimony it would be if God were to heal Layla…something that doctors would not be able to explain! God would HAVE to get all of the glory! I'm still praying that He would do this, but if He doesn't, I pray for Layla to just live her last days on this earth in peace and comfort. This precious child of God has touched me more than I can say over the past 8 days that I've been following her. I think about her, her parents and her sisters constantly. I am amazed and overjoyed each time I read a tweet that says she has made it though another day. Each day she is here is another day God can use her to reach others, tens of thousands of others! She has made so many really think about and treasure each day they have on this earth, and each loved one in their lives. I know I have grown closer to God through her trial…what an awesome gift she has given so many! All of my love and constant prayers go out to her family.

By: Allison

Allison — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:58:03 +0000

Pastor Michael, I too have been following Layla's story and it has touched some very deep issues with me. I'm struggling to find some meaning. I understand what you're saying, but it still doesn't explain why God is allowing her to SUFFER so much. I understand that we can't take our time on earth for granted, because God could call us home at any time. But why the suffering? Why is it necessary for this innocent little child to writhe in pain so that God's voice may be heard. That makes no sense to me. And sadly, that's where my faith reaches its limit, because I'm finding it difficult to trust, much less praise, that kind of God.