By: Jessika Sanders & Becca Tomasello
How do we trust God in the loss of a child?
In Exodus chapter 2 we meet Jochebed. Enslaved to the Egyptians and under the heavy hand of Pharaoh, Jochebed and the Hebrew people were in a season of oppression. Afraid the Hebrews would outnumber the Egyptians and one day overthrow them, Pharaoh ordered all male Hebrew newborns to be killed.
This included Jochebed’s son, Moses.
You might be wondering, how can a parent trust God when facing the loss of a child?
In Exodus 2:2 and expounded in Hebrews 11:23, we learn how Moses’ parents were able to trust God when facing the loss of their son.
Exodus 2:2 NLT states, “The woman [Jochebed] became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months.” Hebrews 11:23 NLT builds on this verse giving us important background, “It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.”
Their answer: by faith.
This didn’t mean faith would save them from enduring loss, but it did mean that by faith whatever came, they would trust God in it and through it.
At the three month mark, when Jochebed could no longer hide Moses, we read how she waterproofed a basket and placed her precious child in the Nile River. She didn’t know if or when her baby would be discovered. She didn’t even know if he would live. But by faith, Jochebed had to trust God when facing the loss of her child.
When you go on to read the rest of Exodus 2 you will read how God protected Moses. You’ll read of how He was in every detail and how He worked things together for good like only He can.
Maybe like Jochebed you find yourself facing the possible loss of your child.
Or maybe your child has passed and you’re struggling to trust God in your grief and suffering.
We pray the story of faith-filled Jochebed will remind you that though evil and suffering are part of life on this side of Eden, our God still reigns. His plans extend far beyond what we can see, and He, in His perfection, cannot be anything but good. We pray this story emboldens you to trust in Him, even in suffering.
Heavenly Father, you are all-knowing and all-powerful. You know what each of my days hold. You know the end before I even know the beginning. Help me to put my trust in you, especially during times of suffering and uncertainty. I pray for faith like my sister Jochebed, faith that trusts you in all circumstances. Lord, help my unbelief! Thank you for not giving up on me and for completing the good work you have begun in me to make me more like you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dig Deeper
Reflection Questions:
In what ways does God prove Himself trustworthy once Jochebed places Moses in the Nile River?
Do you trust God with your child(ren)? What actions show this trust?
Put Your Faith Into Action:
The story of Moses' birth demonstrates that sometimes we have to let go of our feelings and anxieties and trust God. While we are tasked with caring for our children, we also have to remember God has a purpose and a plan for them.
This week, we challenge you to write words of trust on post-it notes or index cards and place them around your home or your hospital room to encourage your heart to trust.
ex: Your plans for my child are good. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Further Reading:
Hebrews 11:23
Proverbs 3:5-6
1 Peter 5:7
Verses to Meditate On:
Jeremiah 29:11
Jessika Sanders is a published writer who has been featured in Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Hope When Your Heart is Heavy devotional (2021), Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Jr. magazine (2023), and Tyndale’s So God Made a Mother (2023). She is also the co-author of The Good Book Company's, In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis ( July 2024). Jessika is also the founder and president of Praying Through ministries.
Becca Tomasello is a writer for Praying Through Ministries. She has a Bachelors Degree in English and a Masters Degree in Children's Ministry. She has been working or volunteering in Children's and Youth Ministry for 10 years.
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