Where Was (Is) God?

[Gregory Matthews]

All was going well for the passengers of the United Airlines Jet as it crossed the United States.  The flight had begun in Los Angeles and was headed non-stop for another part of the United States.  Part way through the flight the Captain came on with an announcement.  Air Traffic Control had granted them emergency permission to land at Denver International Airport.  All passengers were to remain in their seats and the aircraft would soon depart to continue their trip.   

At the airport emergency personnel removed Ruth (not her real name.) from the aircraft on a stretcher and an ambulance took her to the hospital where I worked.  Ruth, like me was a hospital chaplain.  Five years previously she had been diagnosed with cancer. She was fully covered by a medical insurance policy that provided for all of the care that she might need.  But, Ruth decided to leave it in the hands of God and a clinic in Mexico.  On this flight she was returning from treatment at that clinic.  Her cancer had spread through multiple organ systems. 

We had to put her in a body cast in order to allow her short periods of time sitting up.  With death nearing arrangements were made for an air ambulance to fly her to a place where her relatives could help to console her.  The day before she was to fly, the flight was cancelled as it was determined that she would not likely live to complete the flight. 

As a hospital chaplain I had to deal with staff who were well aware that with appropriate treatment Ruth would not be near death. Staff was suffering grief over an unnecessary death, which soon did occur.  I ask you:  Where was God in all of this?  To what extent does God work through trained medical personnel?    Why do we sometimes neglect such care and expect for God to heal us on our own terms?

[phkrause]

It kind of reminds me of those that smoke and say God will not let me get cancer because I trust in him!! Doesn't EGW touch on this in her books??