Welcome back to "His will Wednesdays!" ... Finally, right?!
After hours and hours at Panera working on this post, and a run in (and nice little chat) with 2 of my sweet blog readers who saw me sitting with tea in hand, on my computer, updating this site, (sneaky, sneaky! - looking at my computer screen!) and were brave enough to ask if I was indeed "April's Mom," I am finally done! I want you all to know that I am so excited at the response I have received since starting this and truly believe in coming together as a community in prayer for others. I count it a privilege to do this.
Now, get comfortable and brace yourself, I am pretty sure this will be the longest post I've ever posted, but I really feel it is important to address something and what better time than in this post...(Big shout out to my friend Raechel who helped me process all of this!)
I’ve gotten several comments and emails from readers with questions about God’s will. - How to pray for it, what the Bible says about it, and so on. Now, I know going into this that what I have to say may very well clash with what some of you believe. I anticipate that. I also love that we, as sisters (and brothers!) in Christ can love and support each other, even if we differ on some issues. We serve the same God. The God who died for us and rose from the dead. We do not differ on that!
That said, let’s talk “God’s will” for a moment, shall we?
Talk about a weighty topic... Especially considering my current situation.
What I believe about God’s will is a great reflection on what I believe about God’s character. I know He is a loving, merciful, compassionate God. So how could His will be anything but exactly that? This means my baby girl will surely live, right?
Wrong.
I've received e-mails and have heard from others recently that it is God’s will for everyone that is sick to be healed. It is only for lack of faith if they are not. I can’t help but want to ask them where all their great-grandparents are? Where Mother Teresa is? Where Abraham is?
The fact is: people die. We have a 100% fatality rate.
This is not how God designed things to be. When He created the world, “it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). But, Adam sinned, and the covenant of life was broken. And, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Death happens, to all of us, because all of us are sinners. It’s what we deserve. (Gasp!) And, more than that, we now live in a sinful, fallen world. Where there is injustice, sickness and deep sadness abounding. Christians are not immune from it. Even those with a deep faith and close relationship with God...
So let's get something straight... We are going to suffer. In fact, God’s word promises it: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). The good news is that a New Covenant has been put in place. When Christ died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice, He defeated death, and rose to life again. That’s why the second part of that verse in John 16 is so important: “But take heart, for I have overcome the world!”
Here is what I know: Our chief end in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Contrary to the opinion of many, our purpose is not to be happy or to live long or to even “touch” people’s lives. God’s will for us is to glorify Him and to enjoy Him..Psalm 145:19 says, “He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them.” Any desires? ... Really?
Okay...
I want my baby girl to live! I want her to outlive me! Is that how this works?
Again, wrong.
Look at that verse closely. “He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him.”
What does it mean to fear Him? I mean, to really fear Him? To fear God is to submit to His will for our lives. To understand that our purpose in life is, above all else, to bring Him (our Creator) glory. And, when we fear Him as the God that He is, our desires are going to align perfectly with His Will. And thus, we will have the breathtaking satisfaction of having our deepest desires fulfilled.
It’s not a sneaky loophole, and it’s not a backhanded way of promising nothing. It’s the gospel. And it is what saves us.
Oh Lord, I want so badly for April to live. But more than that, I want You to be glorified in this situation. I know that no matter what happens, You can and will redeem it for Your glory. And, in that I can find great satisfaction. And the desires of my heart can be fulfilled.
"For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Thanks be to God!
So, will you join me in prayer for these people and circumstances below? Praying for peace and comfort through these times, but above all else - For God's will... His good and perfect will…
Meet Juliana - As I mentioned in my post last night, Juliana had surgery today. She has a heart condition that makes surgery more risky than usual so please keep her in your prayers. Surgery was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. Click here to visit Juliana's blog.
Meet Amy - Amy is a loving Mom to Phillip, who has had over 18 brain operations, a stroke, etc. He is scheduled to have a very serious brain/spine operation next Tuesday; May 12th. Please keep this family in your prayers throughout this week as they approach Phillip's surgery date. Amy is not only a loving, caring Mother, she is also a woman battling cancer. Click here to visit Amy/Phillip's blog.
Meet Chelsey and Bryan - This couple has just found out Bryan has stage 3 Rectal cancer. Click here to visit this couple's blog.
Meet Debi - Both Debi and her husband lost their jobs in February due to downsizing. They have since lost their home as well, as they could not keep up on payments. Due to the financial strain, Debi and her husband had to move away from one another; one living with a son in Wyoming and one living with a daughter in Arizona, to save money. This past Saturday was their 27th Anniversary. This couple is seeking prayer for a home and financial freedom, so that they can once again be together!
Meet Astrid - Astrid is a reader from Guatemala (so cool!). Her and her husband have recently lost all of their savings, house, as well as his job. They have been living with Astrid's parents for almost 7 months. Astrid is currently 32 weeks pregnant (after almost 2 years of trying to conceive!) and is asking for prayers during this trying (but miraculous!) time.
Meet Tiffany - Tiffany and her husband have been trying to conceive for 3 years now. If they are not pregnant by June they will be going to a fertility clinic, which raises financial concerns for this couple. Also, Tiffany's husband Zach is scheduled for knee surgery on May 19th. Lastly, Tiffany's mother needs prayer for her health with a brain aneurysm and brain tumor. Click here to visit Tiffany's blog.
Meet Lianna - Lianna and her husband have also been trying to conceive, for almost 4 years now. After 2 failed IUI's and 2 failed IVF's, they are still praying for God's plan to be revealed to them. Click here to visit Lianna's blog.
Meet Ashley - Ashley lost her son back in February and is trying to get pregnant again, with infertility issues. Click here to visit Ashley's blog.
Meet Jenn - Jenn and her husband have had their house for sale since March 2007. They are in the military and were re-stationed to California in July of 2007. After months of struggle, they have finally received an offer on the house/have a contract. They are looking to close on the house by May 29th.
Meet Josh and Tina - Tina gave birth to a stillborn son just last week. Click here to visit this family's blog.
Meet Michelle - Last June Michelle and her family lost their 17 month old son, Brayden. Michelle has been having a hard time in her grief journey recently. Looking ahead to the upcoming "anniversary" is proving very difficult for her. This family is wanting to do something to honor Brayden, to celebrate his life, but are struggling with knowing what to do on that day. Click here to visit Michelle's blog.
Meet Crystal - Crystal's sweet daughter Bentley is 8 months old and was born with a heart condition that requires open heart surgery to repair the defects. Bentley is scheduled to have this surgery on May 20th. Click here to visit this family's blog.
Meet Samm - Samm's son Deqlan has won his battle against Neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. The hope and prayer is that he remains free from this disease. Deqlan also has Autism. Click here to visit Samm's blog.
Meet Andrea - Andrea (from New Zealand!) is 15 weeks pregnant with twins. One is fit and healthy, the other has been diagnosed with Holoprosencephaly.
Meet Lindsay - Lindsay's husband, a Technical Recruiter in North Dallas needs a job commensurate with his experience to prevent losing their house and car, and some sort of financial relief that will replace a new AC system by summer, replace a car with a van (or add a van) by fall, and make insurance deductible payments for a couple more months.
Meet Jen - Jen and her family of 5 are also in need of financial assistance. They have fallen behind on their mortgage payment and their mortgage company is unwilling to work with them; as a result they are now facing foreclosure.
Meet Emily - Emily is pregnant and is having bad leg pain as well as trouble sleeping. This is causing her both exhaustion and depression.
Meet Michelle - Michelle's parents are full-time Southern Baptist missionaries living in Mexico City, "ground zero" for the swine flu outbreak. They have recently been quarantined to their apartment, and although they have no air conditioning or heating, they've been advised to keep all their windows and doors shut to prevent airborne bacteria from infiltrating their house. This is just one of the many hardships that they have been facing out in Mexico recently. Michelle and her sister miss their parents deeply, and are hopeful that nothing will restrict them from making their yearly trip home in June. Click here to visit Michelle's blog.
Meet Monica - Monica's request is for her divided family; strength to confront, as well as a heart of forgiveness. Click here to visit Monica's blog.
Meet Gabby - Gabby is a 17 year old fighter. Over the last two years she had a Dr. preform 3 unnecessary surgeries on her and is now seeing a different Dr. who is trying to fix the results of the prior surgeries. Gabby is having a hard time eating and keeping her weight up. Click here to visit Gabby's blog.
Meet the LeBlanc Triplets - These 3 were born a few weeks ago at only 24 weeks and 5 days. One of the babies, Kuylen, passed away after only living 4 days. The other 2 babies are fighting... They have already had surgeries and will probably have to have more down the road. Click here to visit their blog.
Meet Owen - This little guy is currently waiting on a heart for a heart transplant. Click here to visit his family's blog.
Meet Ashleigh - Ashleigh and her husband Justin have been trying to get pregnant for 8 months and it is wearing on them. They do have a little girl who is 2, but never thought it would be so hard to get pregnant with a second little one. Click here to visit this family's blog.
Meet Hallie - Hallie's baby boy Camden is struggling with chronic, non-antibiotic responding, ear infections. He was just scheduled for surgery later this month; May 29th. Click here to visit Hallie's blog.
Meet Abbie - Abbie has been struggling for a year and a half to get pregnant. She had a miscarriage in August and her baby would have been due this month. Abbie's heart is broken over this upcoming Mother's Day and the contrast between what it means to her vs. what she wishes it meant to her.
Meet Christina - Christina's husband recently lost his job, and they are in the process of waiting on the appeal to go through for unemployment benefits. Her prayer is that their marriage stays strong and they do not lose sight of their faith through these trials. Click here to visit Christina's blog.
Meet Lisa - Lisa's son Matthias has Autism and it was recently found out that he is needing more supplements added to his daily regimen of meds and each of them is costly. Click here to visit Lisa's blog.
Meet Brittne - Brittne leaves for Basic Military Training for the Air Force in 4 weeks and is extremely nervous. Click here to visit Brittne's blog.
A Prayer Request from Brittanie - Brittanie is asking for prayer for her brother and sister-in-law who have been trying to have a baby since they got married in August of 2003. They are now trying to adopt through foster care, and are waiting for a child to be placed with them.
Meet Rebekah - Rebekah is pregnant with her sixth child and plans on giving this baby up for adoption. As the time gets closer she is praying that things will continue to go smoothly and that the children she already has will be able to transition through this hard time.
Meet Cathy - Cathy's friend Patty lost her job and has decided to make a cross country move. She has no job prospects where she is moving, but will have family there. Cathy is also seeking prayer for her son and daughter-in-love's struggles with infertility - That these will end and that they will be blessed with a child.
A Prayer Request from Holly - Holly's dear friend Katie has a daughter who is in need of prayers. Harley needs God's healing touch. Click here to visit Harley's Caring Bridge page.
Meet Nicole - Nicole and her husband Scott lost their first and only two babies and have longed to have children to love and nurture and teach about God since. They have been trying to sell their house for 17 months and must do so before they can try again for another baby due to the high risk state of another pregnancy. Nicole is working, but her husband is currently out of work, which is also a stumbling block to growing their family.
Meet Missy - Missy is seeking prayers for her immigration interview coming up in June. If all goes well her family will be reuinted after 9 months. Click here to visit Missy's blog.
Meet Jessica - Jessica is a mother of 2, who is about to graduate from college and whose husband is about to leave for the army. This family needs to find work so that they can support themselves and their children. Click here to visit Jessica's blog.
Meet Ginger - Ginger is asking for prayer for her husband/financial problems that have hit their family, specifically her husband's trust in God, through these times. Click here to visit Ginger's blog.
Meet Hannah - Hannah is a little 10 year old girl who has breast cancer. She will be having a mastectomy this Friday. Click here to visit her family's blog.
Meet Cara - Cara's husband, Reese, is currently going through chemotherapy for testicular cancer. His prognosis for a full recovery is very good, but it is a tough and long road, especially for their three small children. Click here to visit this family's blog.
Meet Jodi - Jodi and her husband are seeking a financially smooth path, as they are currently in the process of purchasing a home. These two are also expecting a baby girl in the next month and a half and need continued health for the remainder of the pregnancy, as well as job security for Jodi. Click here to visit Jodi's blog.
Meet Celia - Celia is expecting the arrival of her son Noah in 1 week. He has been diagnosed with Anencephaly and is not expected to live. Click here to visit Celia's blog.
Meet Christy - Christy's family is in the process of adopting three children from Ethiopia, two of which have signficant chronic medical conditions. They have five children at home already. Things are moving very rapidly and so earning the funds for the adoption is of utmost importance. Click here to visit this family's blog.
Meet Katelyn - Katelyn is a first grade teacher and one of her students was diagnosed with an Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM) earlier this year. This is basically a tangle of blood vessals/capillaries. This student's AVM is located in an inoperable part of her brain. It is too deep and too large for them to surgically fix. It has also been discovered that she has an aneurysm that has not ruptured but ultimately will. There is no quick/probably fix. The aneurysm could rupture at any time and given the location of it in her brain and the involvement of the main cerebral artery it would most likely be catastrophic, if not fatal. This student's mother is a single Mom with three small children.
Meet Niki - Niki's (almost) 23 month old daughter "S" has been having health issues since December 2008 and is headed into testing over the next week to rule out Cystic Fibrosis, kidney disorders, and neurological issues. She is seeking wisdom for her medical team to finally obtain a diagnosis. Click here to visit Niki's blog.
Meet Maddie - Maddie is a young little sweetie who is battling Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Click here to visit her family's blog.
A Prayer Request for/from Whitney - At the end of April, Whitney's 13 year old cousin Morgan passed away in a tragic accident near her house, when her dirt bike collided with an SUV from the main road. She was killed instantly. She has left behind an entire shaken family, including a 15 year old brother, and friends. Continued prayers for this family as they cope with this loss.
Meet Cyrena - Cyrena's husband Tony left yesterday for his 3rd tour to Iraq. This family has 3 young children that will be missing their Daddy a lot! Click here to visit this family's blog.
Meet Melissa - Melissa is seeking a teaching job... She recently had an interview but has to go through at least 1 more before the possibility of being hired. Melissa is also continuing her own education in the process and is feeling that end of the semester crunch. Lastly, Melissa and her husband are struggling with infertility. Click here to visit Melissa's blog.
Meet Rachel - Rachel is seeking prayer and guidance for a job interview. Click here to visit Rachel's blog.
A Prayer Request from Tracy - Tracy's sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago. She's been through every imaginable treatment from losing both breasts to the strongest of chemotherapy and different kinds of radiation/thermal radiation. The cancer persists. She found out a week ago that the cancer has spread to her lungs, liver and muscle/skin in her hip area. The only treatment left for her is an experimental treatment... She is only 44 years old and has two children and a husband.
Meet Riley - Riley is a little fighter who needs our continual prayers. Click here to visit his little place on the web.
A Prayer Request from Samantha - Samantha's cousin gave birth to a baby boy named Tyler at 28 weeks, weighing in at just 2 lbs. He is now a week old and is slowly getting stronger, but will have a long road ahead of him. Click here to visit Samantha's blog, where she is posting updates on little Tyler. Samantha is also asking for prayer for a little baby girl named Eve who is in the same Hospital as little Tyler. Eve's parents left her at birth (at 23 weeks) and Samantha's mother is in discussions with a foster care agency regarding the possibility of taking over the care for this baby girl.
Meet Pablo - This young boy has been fighting a battle with cancer, and recently they found 3 new spots on his lungs. Click here to visit Pablo's family blog.
Meet Erica - Erica and her husband lost their little girl, Angel Skye last year when Erica went into early labor at 18 weeks. They are now about 18 weeks pregnant and are being told that their unborn baby will not survive after birth due to a few different complications. Click here to visit Erica's blog.
Meet Tracy - Tracy has had 6 miscarriages within the last 2 years. She recently found out that she is pregnant again and has an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow morning. Click here to visit Tracy's blog.
Meet Alyson - Alyson's son Avery was born with PPHN and almost did not make it. He has been struggling with putting on and keeping on weight ever since. He breathes heavy and struggles daily with his eating. Click here to visit Alyson's blog.
*** MANY, many people have requested continued prayer for these sick babies and their families... If you do not yet know about them click on their link to read more about their circumstances...
Baby Kaleigh - Click here to follow her story.
Abby - Click here to visit her family's blog.
Baby Jonah - Click here to visit his family's blog.
Baby April - You are already here. Thank you for praying!
*** Anonymous Requests: Please Pray...
- For a woman's younger daughter, who has a little girl in Heaven and who is carrying another little girl, Hope, who has been diagnosed with HPE. She is due in July.
- For a woman's older daughter and her family, who have two small children and have special needs at this time.
- For a woman's husband who has been struggling with some old, bad habits and needs God's guidance.
- For a woman with a 4 years old daughter who is dealing with custody issues regarding the best interests of the child. She goes to court next week.
"Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."
(If you have a request for next week's "His will Wednesday" post, e-mail me here with your requests. Please make sure to let me know if you want me to include your name and a link back to your blog, or not. Thank You!)
