So my sister-in-law Alicia linked me to an article on facebook that was written on the Gospel Coalition website. You can read it here.
That January blog post seems so far removed from our lives in the hospital today. It seems like Passion was a decade ago.
But what I said it that post, I'm telling you here that I am still saying it now. In the midst of crisis and heartache, I still want Jesus more than anything.
And more and more, Shaina and I see God's hand preparing us for this road by taking us to the deep waters of His grace.
Pray for us that we can get and stay in the place where JESUS + NOTHING = EVERYTHING.
3 comments:
Ben,
We don't know each other but our stories are somewhat similiar. Like you, I too am a pastor, and like you, I too have walked through some extremely difficult places as a young father. A couple years ago, our twins were born at 25 weeks at only 18oz and 14oz. They were given about a 50% of surviving and less of a chance of being healthy and whole. To make the story short, they both survived and are doing incredibly well.
From the moment we first learned of the pregnancy, my wife and I prayed (at times with trembling hearts) that God would use them to bring maximum glory to Himself. Ben, it has been amazing to see how God has used our little ones to be 'worship leaders' to His church here and around the world. Of course, the journey has been a heart-wrenching one, but we know our Father more deeply than ever before.
Recently, one of our twins has been diagnosed with a rare disease (a type of prelukemia) and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. Once again, however, God is showing Himself to be Healer. Doctors are so completely baffled his good health that they have delayed the transplant. They've simply never seen this happen before.
Ben, I know this is not the journey you would have chosen (and I can say the same), but you are right to say that you and your wife have been counted worthy to suffer for Christ. And He will sustain you in your hardship. I don't know if God has healing (on this side of heaven) for your precious daughter or for my sweet boy, but I do know that as for God, His way is perfect.
May He give more grace. May you be surrounded by His sweet peace. May your daughter know His healing touch. May Christ be honored and glorified. Amen.
I came across the article, and video, on the Gospel Coalition and had to come over and find you. My heart aches for you and your precious little girl. I don't know that I can say what's on my heart without it coming out wrong. I know in the depths of my own heart that look in your wife's eyes...and the agony and exhaustion that lies behind them. Your sweet daughter is held in Jesus gentle hands, and in the Father's loving purpose...as are both of you. Praying for healing...but more than that..that God's glory would be made magnificently known through this one little girl, even through heart break. Wish I could bring you something to brighten your day, or a hug to share the burden.
2 Chronicles 20 NIV
15 "...This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.
16 Tomorrow march down against them...
17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"
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