One might think that Nicholas' story began January 27,2000 (the day he was born) and ended May 25,2006 (the day he passed away.) Is that the end of the story? Is that all there is? Do we close the book? Not exactly! His story began long before January 2000-before the foundation of the world, actually, and continues today. In fact, his story does not end-it is a forever story. It is a story that shows God's omniscience, His omnipotence and omnipresence. It is a story of hope, of joy, and of peace.
God is an omniscient God. He is all-knowing. God knew before he was born that Nicholas would be with us exactly 6 years, 3 months and 28 days. Psalm 139 says, "For you created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Before the foundation of time, God knew the exact number of breaths Nicholas would take, every word he would say, how many lives he would touch. Luke 12:7 tells us God knows the number of hairs on our heads. For Nicholas, I'm not sure if that was before or after chemo. Actually, it was before, during AND after his treatment.
God had a plan for Nicholas, as He does for each of us. The Bible tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God knew exactly what He wanted to accomplish in Nicholas' life. Nicholas was very efficient-he got the job done in 6 ½ years. It's taking a little longer for the rest of us.
God knew every pain Nicholas felt, every tear that fell from his eyes, every smile that would cross his face. Right now Nicholas is feeling no pain, he is shedding no tears. I am sure he is smiling a lot, though. The Scriptures tell us in Revelation 21:4-"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away…" He said, "I am making everything new." God can make all things new. He is an omnipotent God-He is all-powerful. He can do anything.
Nicholas liked to play a game-"I've got the power." I wonder how well that's going over with God. Nicholas, you may have the power, but God has ALL the power. Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The awesome God of the universe, who spoke the world into existence, created Nicholas (with a little help from Lamont & Sheila.) God created the sunshine, he created the rain. He made the oceans, with the dolphins Nicholas loved so much. He made the deserts. God created man in His own image--he made Nicholas like Him. He made you and me like Him, too.
God knows everything, He can do anything and He is everywhere (omnipresent.)
God has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5.) Many have wondered how Lamont & Sheila have made it through all the ups and downs of the past 18 months. Their hope & peace has been in the Lord. God has & always will be with them & with all who trust Him. He has been with Nicholas throughout the whole journey.
He was there when Nicholas was initially diagnosed with leukemia in November of 2004. He was there in April of 2005 when Nicholas received his bone marrow transplant. God was there when Nicholas relapsed in September 2005. He was there in November 2005 when the doctors reported a partial remission. He was there when Nicholas relapsed in January of this year. He has been with the Gilberts from Children's Hospital in Oakland to Lucille Packard Medical Center at Stanford to Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. God has been there the whole time through all the ups and downs, good news and bad news, home to hospital and back again. How have they survived through it all?
Philippians 4 says: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
God gives a peace the world cannot understand, joy in the midst of pain and a hope that does not disappoint. His omniscience, omnipotence & omnipresence surround us.
Nicholas' story is not over. His time here on earth has been a preface to eternity-the rest of the story. God makes a promise in his Word. John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much He sent His one and only Son to die for us. Whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Our hope & prayer is that each one here will have the peace that only God can give. There will come a time for each of us to say good-bye to this world & enter eternity. Will you be ready?
I will conclude my words with a hymn (Don't worry-I'm not going to sing it, just read the words…)
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand…"