I have definitely felt the presence of the Lord over the past week. Matthew was sick, Hannah was sick for four days and I'm sick now. My brother is in the hospital. I might not be the picture child for empathy but when my family is sick and my brother, my best friend and my nieces are having such a rough time of life it definitely affects me. Throw in the evil germs wreaking havoc on my own family and I am at the end of what I have to offer.
Praise God for allowing me to experience the truth of 2 Corinthian's 9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
It makes me sad when people say, "God doesn't give you what you can't handle." These past few weeks have been more than I can handle. Maybe I could have endured on my own but God's grace made it possible for me to do more than just survive. I have felt peace in the midst of chaos. I have had strength to have a pleasant attitude and take care of four kids while sick. When I look back, I am not ashamed of my behavior, my reactions or the way I've spent my time. I know what I'm like when I rely on my own strengths and it isn't pretty.
I'll take the grace of God made perfect in my weakness over relying on my own abilities any day.
This is how I know that God is good all the time. Not because my brother is living. Not because my prayers are answered. Because even when life doesn't go my way I know He is here. He will never leave me or forsake me.
Hopefully I'll look back and be thankful for this time. But right now, even with the grace of God allowing me to experience his presence, I'd still rather be healthy and have my brother and his family home and well.
Baby steps.
UPDATE:
My brother was discharged from the hospital late in the evening on 2/16 and is recovering at home. PRAISE GOD!! We are praying for no more complications and that he would return to his normal, fabulous health QUIICKLY!!
UPDATE:
My brother was discharged from the hospital late in the evening on 2/16 and is recovering at home. PRAISE GOD!! We are praying for no more complications and that he would return to his normal, fabulous health QUIICKLY!!
Love you and this is wonderful. You inspire me to reach for God's grace. Praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteAmy, wow sweety what a stressful time indeed. With all that your family has been going through with your brother, that alone was enough, let alone having sick kiddos and being sick yourself. Bless your heart. I can ONLY imagine.... :(
ReplyDeleteI had a spinal tap a couple years ago, sick with the flu and er docs tested me for meningitis too. Still don't know why, but mine also leaked. HOLY COW,,,, that was THE MOST painful thing ever. I literally could not sit up, even for a second, I had to be lying down still, not moving for like a week or else I felt like my head was going to explode. It was awful.
I'm so happy your brother made it through, that is SCARY!!! On a brighter note, they say some of the smartest people had bacterial meningitis, and obviously survived,,,, and their brains became like supercharged after that. So your brother could be the next Einstein or something,,, hehe. Just saying!!!
Oh mama. I'm sorry I haven't been here in a while to catch up, and sorry that when I finally do, it's to read all this. BUT it sounds like you are stronger than lots of others out there, and yes with the GRACE of GOD you've managed to make it through, and thankfully everyone including your brother is getting better. :)
Sending many hugs your way, and healing thoughts for you all :)
Bella
Awesome post....I agree whole-heartedly....close call on Sunday with an F-4 tornado in MS...God is good! Lyndaoflakeland.blogspot.com (prayers for healing for you and your sweet family)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that your brother is back in the hospital, your sick and your kiddo's are sick. I hope everyone is well ASAP.
ReplyDeleteYou are right God is Always Good no matter what!!! I strongly and firmly believe that. Thank goodness when we can do nothing else there's always prayers and that is the most important thing we can do. :)