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| art by Denise A. Wells |
We Christians are tougher than we realize. Three weeks ago, my
cousin’s son Jeremy and his wife Roxanne delivered their second daughter, Lilly,
who was born with CDH, congenital diaphragmatic hernia. You can read more about
this condition on my post entitled, Lilly.
In the weeks since her birth, Lilly has undergone several
procedures to help her lungs and heart function more efficiently with less stress
and effort. She has steadily progressed. This week Lilly underwent surgery for
repair of the hernia. Your continued prayers for this little warrior are
greatly appreciated.
The struggles that Roxanne and Jeremy have faced would bring
a prize fighter to his knees—Roxanne’s diagnosis of gastroparesis just months
after their wedding, loss of their first-born to CDH, job loss for Roxanne, a
complete job change for Jeremy, and a major move. Add to that the challenge of
having a second child born with CDH and you have a recipe for STRESS, in all
caps!
And yet, they soldier on, giving praise to God for carrying
them through. Their life reminds me a lot of what Paul says in 2 Corinthians
4:8-9: “We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not
demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do;
we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been
thrown down, but we haven’t broken.”
Most of us won’t face that kind of intense and concentrated
troubles in our entire lifetime. This young couple has dealt with all of this
in just over two years. They are a shining example of faith that has been
refined by fire. Please join me in praying for Roxanne and Jeremy, and for
their precious Lilly.
Lord Jesus, strengthen Roxanne and Jeremy and Lilly by your Spirit—not
a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in them as
they open the door and invite You in. We ask that with both feet planted firmly
on love, they’ll be able to take in with all Your followers the extravagant
dimensions of Your love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length!
Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of
You, Lord God. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Be encouraged!
Pam
©2016 Pamela D. Williams
