Happy 29th Birthday Chad - Sharon Phelps

Today my brother, Chad, would be celebrating his 29th earthly birthday; but instead he is celebrating in heaven with His Savior for all eternity. I miss him every day and extra on his birthday. Recently the Lord has allowed me to dwell on two facts regarding my brothers passing that have been a tremendous comfort as I anticipated the coming of May 3.

First, Chad did not die too early. It is often tempting to think that his life was cut short because he passed away at the young age of 25. When I read my Bible, I find verses like Job 14:5a "Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee" and James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on be morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." God knew exactly how many days Chad would spend on this earth, and it was no accident that his time on earth ended on July 27, 2013.

The second thought that I've been dwelling on is the fact that Chad going to heaven at the age of 25 is Plan A. Often I'm tempted to think that this must be Plan B because in my mind it seems like Plan A would be for Chad to live a long and full life and accomplish much for the Lord. I know that Chad's death was part of God's plan, but I often forget that it is His very best plan and His first choice for Chad's life and for our family. God has been teaching me that in the 25 years Chad was on this earth he accomplished everything that God had for him to do, and he lived Plan A for his life. In eternity past God knew exactly how many days Chad would spend on the earth, and He knew the perfect path that He had ordained for Chad's life. He saw Chad's promotion to heaven on July 27, 2013, and all the ramifications of that event as Plan A and as the very best! I'm so thankful that I serve a God who always does what is best, and I'm thankful that Chad is spending his forth birthday in a far better way than he could ever spend it on earth. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Chad!!!!

--Written by Sharon Phelps, Chad's sister