by Sarah Van Diest @SarahVanDiest

The faith of a mustard seed is small, yes? Quite small. I wonder if this kind of faith is any more than just a simple hope that what we long for might possibly happen. If asked, we could hardly identify our tiny seed as faith at all.

This post is here today because of such a kind of faith. Read this story, and I will share with you how seeds can grow when the Father is the Gardener.

I wish I didn’t have this story to tell you today, but I do. It sits in my hands and waits to be opened and shared. I feel a strange sense of honor holding it, while its tragic nature makes me wish it never existed. But it is also something precious and something worthy of words.

Introducing Baby Kaenon

Four months ago, baby Kaenon was born. He came early. As soon as the news broke that he was on the way, his grandparents rushed to meet him. Mark and Laurie Francis arrived at daughter Ashlee’s side and welcomed their first grandchild into the world.

His early arrival meant complications, though. Kaenon’s body wasn’t quite ready for the wideness of the world. He would undergo multiple surgeries and suffer great discomfort. But again, his grandparents stayed lovingly by to help this new life struggle to survive and provide their daughter with help and support.

The story unfolds this way for a couple of months. Kaenon refuses to quit fighting, and his family refuses to let him. And then the story changes.

An Unfortunate Departure

Without warning, this new grandfather, Mark Francis, died. A freak accident at home brought his life to a sudden close. No more visits to the hospital to caress sweet Kaenon’s head or to encourage Ashlee, his weary daughter. No more comfort to offer his wife, Laurie, as she worries about the future of their little family. A tragedy upon already difficult circumstances.

Meet Mark

What you do not know yet is who Mark was. You don’t know that he was a dentist who gave generously of his skills and resources. When I was a missionary in Central America and came home for visits, he would always see me for free and take care of any dentistry needs I had. He did that for so many people. When firefighters would descend from the mountains around our small town to camp during fire season, and after he had worked a full day, Mark would fill his truck with fire fighters who needed dental care and treat them for free.

You don’t know that he was a nature photographer for National Geographic. His work was outstanding. Beautiful. Stunning.

You don’t know that he was Fred Flinstone in the Ice Capades.

You don’t know that he was a gentle man of God and a devoted man of prayer. There is no doubt he heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” as he entered eternity.

The new reality is this: As his grandson fights to stay alive, Mark can’t be there to hold his wife’s hand or speak words of comfort to his daughter. He isn’t there to leave small kisses on Kaenon’s forehead.

Yet, he is.

Mark’s Legacy

The decades of devotion he gave Laurie stay with her and will never be forgotten. The lifetime of love he showered on Ashlee helped make her the loving mother she is to sweet Kaenon. And I would not be a bit surprised if Mark still breathes sweet kisses on Kaenon’s forehead now and forevermore.

Tiny Seeds of Writing Faith

But why am I telling this story? This is where the seed of faith enters.

It was this past April when my small book, God in the Dark, was released. It is a book meant to bring comfort when trials strike and hope in the midst of despair. A copy of the book made its way to Laurie, who shared it with Ashlee, who read from it over sweet baby Kaenon as he lay in a hospital bed clinging to life. Simple, but amazing. How could my words be given a place of such honor?

The book Ashlee is holding came from a very tiny seed of faith – of hope. A friend of mine was hurting and there was nothing I could do to change the circumstances. In obedience to what I believed the Father told me, I wrote letters of encouragement to help ease the pain and possibly bring comfort. Possibly. Hopefully. Just maybe. That is all I had. I hoped that my words might help, even just a little. I had no intention of taking those words and making a book. That was a plan I knew nothing about at the time. But look! What has the Father done with that tiny hope? The words He gave me those days now hover above an infant child clinging to life. How could this be? How? Only in the Father’s hand does such a small seed grow like this.

What You Do Matters.

I tell this part of the story to remind you, my dear writing friends, that what you do matters. What you do makes a difference and impacts the world in ways you may never know. When our Father places words on your heart, write them, dear ones. Do not be discouraged by the voices in your head or in your circle of influence telling you it’s all a waste of time or that you have nothing to say. Listen to your Father’s voice. Walk in the good works He prepared in advance for you.

Go. Write. Love.

There are needs all around you. Take a moment and think on what they are and how you might be able to use the gifts your Father has given you to help meet those needs.

The Francis family is in need of financial help as well as prayer support. If you are interested in helping, please take a look at the page they have set up: https://www.sweatpnw.com/  Ashlee is a fitness trainer, so she set up a fitness fundraiser, but you don’t have to do the workout to help out. If you just want to give your support, go here: https://www.gofundme.com/4tkc9

And remember this: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” Col. 3:23,24.

Now, go! Write! Love!

What’s one way the enemy discourages you from pursuing obedience to God’s call to write? What’s one verse from Scripture that speaks truth over that discouragement? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Sarah Van Diest is a writer and editor. She’s the mother of two boys, stepmother to three more, and wife to David.

Sarah wrote God in the Dark as letters to a dear friend whose life was turning upside down. She’s done this for years for numerous friends and will continue to, Lord willing. It’s her gift to them. It’s hope written down.

When you are in the dark places of your life, Sarah Van Diest offers a companion for the path you are walking. You will find a voice of comfort and truth to call you back to the light, to help you see that you are never alone, never too far gone, and never unloved. This collection of 31 devotions doesn’t minimize the reality of your struggles, but rather points you to where God is—walking right alongside you. Receive this hope in the pain, God in the Dark.