You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. (Is. 26:3-4 NIV)
These are some of the scriptures I'm clinging to while facing the unknown.
What we thought was Ted's cancer morphing to another form appears not to be the case. The next step was to go back into surgery to sample some lung tissue after all. (This was the surgery that was avoided on Sunday.)
So, on Wednesday afternoon, back into surgery he went. The early examination of the samples identified a serious lung condition with any number of causes. Determining the cause will help pinpoint the treatment, but the process is long and tedious, with labs now being sent to Mayo Clinic.
After surgery Ted was again on a breathing machine and would be on it at least overnight. He was heavily sedated to keep him comfortable. I sat helpless in the darkened room with only the hum and hiss of the machines and the constant activity outside his room in ICU.
While I had rested in perfect peace just a few days before, that night I wrestled desperately to find that peace again. I realized God was taking me to a whole new level of abiding.
I had relied so heavily on Ted when making important decisions; now he was unable to communicate. I had relied on the doctors to find the cause and fix it; now even they were dealing with uncertainties. I had felt relief knowing what it was on Sunday; now all that had changed. I had leaned on our family and friends for prayers and support -- and while all that has been wonderful, there is no substitute for fully relying on God. There are times we are so alone and the ONLY answer is God.
"God, I am so lost, but help me remain in you. You are my Source of all I really need. Give me your perfect peace again. Strengthen me for the road ahead and give me your wisdom. Give the doctors your wisdom," I pleaded...
"Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child..."
While the wind and waves were wild that night, with the morning came a strength and, once again, a sense of indescribable peace. A peace that only He can give. A peace we can only receive as we look to Him for all our needs.
Lord, I don't even know all my needs, but You do. There are so many unknowns on all our paths. But I will trust in you, abide in you. I will rest in your comfort and draw my strength from you.
Marilyn ... our thoughts and prayers are with you all..... God bless you all with strength, hope and peace. Karen P
ReplyDeleteSurrendering to God's will isn't always easy, but it always makes things easier. I'll say a prayer for you, Ted, and all his doctors. Good luck with your journey. -Rachel L.
ReplyDeleteOnce again as I read your post my body is sent shivers throughout. I think of Dana's mental illness and her complete unpredictability before she finally had completed an act of suicide. I think of the many meds they shoved down her and all the bad side affects. I know sister exactly your pain, It is shockingly the same and it saddens me you must feel it too and have your wonderful husband suffer. I will lift you in prayer. I will send my unconditional love. I will pray for a cure. Go in peace my sister in Christ., Cindy Kapla
ReplyDeleteThanks, all, for your prayers and encouragement. Rachel, well said!
ReplyDeleteWe will all have pain in life, but our God is always with us. He has made Himself very present in this struggle.
Thank you Marilyn... As you struggle your post is helping me with some issues in our family. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reminding us to turn to God and hold on tight. It is the best and sometimes the only way.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you and Ted. Tracy