Last time I wrote I mentioned that Nehemiah was really sick. As it turned out I basically published the post and went to take his temp. It was up over 104 again and he was on the strep med!
Nehemiah then told me that he was having trouble breathing so I grabbed my purse and took him to the ER down at Phoenix Children’s. Liberty rode with me to talk to him and make sure he was okay.
As it turns out they found bacterial pneumonia on both sides! He is slowly making a comeback.
In the meantime, several more have gotten sick, including our little Ruby girl and Mommy.
If you stop over – enter at your own risk!
We have been snuggling down watching old Little House episodes and the Anne of Green Gables series while sipping my homemade garlic tea {don’t knock it unless you’ve tried it}, praying for health.
So after the unplanned hiatus these last five days from writing, I was praying about what to share. No doubt, I write best when I share what’s on my heart…and here’s where my heart has been…
Recently a close friend shared with me some devastating news. It was the kind of news that shook me to my core. The friend told me because they just needed someone to pray. No one else knows.
At this silver-haired-speed-limit-age, it seems that rarely am I at a loss for words. I have seen quite a bit of life: the good, the bad and the ugly. I have seen a fair number of devastating situations. And in the midst of the devastating situations we have seen God’s clear hand moving.
Yet this news left me completely dumbfounded and speechless. I just couldn’t even wrap my head around it and I truly didn’t know what to say.
Of course I told my friend that I would be praying and fasting – and I would, but it sounded so trite compared to the severity of the situation.
As I went to my knees I literally just shook my head in disbelief, “Really? Really? I trust you Lord, but will my friend?”
And today as I was in the midst of prayer for my friend and their situation, an old hymn popped into my mind. I searched for it on my computer and found a rather old-timey version, but as I played it over and over while caring for our sweet Ruby, tears streamed down my face. The timeless hymn, written in 1883 by Daniel Whittle, spoke to the fibers of my being….and the tears just would not stop…I sang, voice quivering through gut wrenching sobs over and over until I felt it in the depths of my soul….
Yes, I know whom I have believed and
am persuaded that He is able….
As I write today, I am confident that there are others out there who have similar questions lurking in their minds. Situations that they can’t even begin to grasp. Circumstances that have thrown them for a loop. Faith-wavering troubles that would want to overtake them.
Yet, in the midst of all of it, He is faithful.
When we know Him, even though our faith is shaken,
we go back to the history of God in our lives…our
Memorials, our Memorial Box, our journals and
we remind ourselves that He is faithful and He is the only
one we can hope in even when the most devastating of
circumstances occur…
*******
I Know Whom I Have Believed…
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in loveRedeemed me for His own.
Refrain
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
Convincing us of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
Linny, I'm reading a really good book about this very subject, called God is Able by Priscilla Shirer. It's based off of Ephesians 3:20. I am also reading a book about George Mueller. I don't know about you, but the Lord speaks to me in themes. He'll be speaking to me about something and then everywhere I turn He seems to be confirming that thing. Right now He's speaking to me about His Sovereignty and it not being limited by me, the true mind boggling power of the Cross, and being in Holy Awe of Him. All 3 things tied together come back to His incredible power and authority. I was so excited to come here and read that hymn. Thank you for sharing.
I have been still praying for Nehemiah. Poor wee lad. Hope he keeps getting better. Didn't know you were ill, too. I will keep praying that it doesn't hit all of you.
I like that hymn, too. Sometimes we just have to weep with others. words don't really do anything.
Good thing God can do everything. Hugs to you and your friends.
Sandy in the UK
Thank you for reminding me of that song…it's in our hymnal at church although it's been awhile since we sang it. So much good stuff in some of those old hymns…
We are all fighting it as well. Praying for everyones health. Hope you all are feeling better.
Linny, One of my favorites is "When the storms of life are raging, stand by me." "Thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me."