it is well with my soul

What Satan intended for bad, God used it for good!

My cousin, who was more like my brother, committed suicide on November 1st of 2008.  Drew was 16 years old and although I can't tell you his thoughts, I can assure you that God was in control.  God knew what He was doing.  His timing is perfect, even when we have other ideas.

Our family found out of Drew's death the next day, November 2nd.  I could tell you where I was, where I had been, and what I was going to do next.  I could tell you how I responded when I found out and then what I had to do next.  I could tell you all about that night and the next few days.  But I don't need to.  It's not about me....

In James 1:2-3, James reminds us that we will encounter many different trials and we should rejoice!  Because when we face those trials, we know that our faith is being tested and that produces endurance.  God is well aware of what He's doing.  When tough times come, God will use them.  They serve a purpose by teaching us more about God and ourselves.  God is using us in those trails so that His work can be displayed through us.  It's not about us; it's about God using us!

God used Drew's death.  Not only that, but God used all of Drew's life.  All 16 years.  And although that seems like a short time to us, it was perfect for what God wanted to accomplish through Drew.

What Satan intended for bad, God used it for good!  I'm so thankful!  I'm closer to God because of this and I know of others that are too.  Some people have come to know God through Drew's story!  I rejoice!

What about you?  Are you going to let the enemy win?  Are you going to give into Satan's lies?  Or are you going to have eternal life with the God who loves you?  We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory.  The wages of our sin is death, however God sent His one and only Son to die for us and then He raised Him on the 3rd day.  And if we accept that we are sinners and confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved and have eternal life with Him!

I know for a fact that Drew accepted Christ into his heart and now he is in heaven rejoicing!  I can't wait to see him again!

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

I absolutely miss Drew.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of Drew.  But I don't dwell on the fact that Drew's gone; instead I thank God for the time I was able to spend with Drew.  I will see Drew again, but until then, I will allow God to use me for His glory.

"Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul."

Andrew Lovelace Kilgore, Jr.

1/11/1992 -11/1/2008