We're going on 27 hours with no sleep and so far no seizures. The techs thought that maybe her EEG was showing some stuff last night but so far nothing.
The epileptologist just came in and informed us that we're going to continue to wait for more seizures. At this point they feel that the risk is low enough to allow for us to be able to wait for a seizure. On one hand this is good, because it means that our time has not been for naught, but on the other hand it is quite a blow, especially to Tina, to think that we're going to sit here indefinitely waiting for something that she has no control over.
It has been a long and exhausting couple of days, and Tina's emotions are running a bit thin. It is easy to feel like God has left us alone here, and that somehow he's made a mistake, but we have reminded ourselves of the promises he has made to us.
Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
We know that God isn't in the business of starting things into motion and then going off on vacation, forgetting about what he has started. No, we are supremely confident that God has started something good in Tina's life and that he is presently in the process of carrying it on to completion.
So how should we respond? As I pondered this very question over the past hour or so, two things came to mind. First, was what Jesus said when he was asked by a bunch of confused and hurting people how they should respond. "Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
The second thing that came to mind was, if I am to respond to this situation with love to God and love to others, how should that look. The Apostle Paul tells me how to love in situations like this in Romans 12. "Love must...be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Wow, that's a tall order.
So it is my desire that I would be joyful in the hope that because God began a good work here that he will be faithful to complete it; that I would be patient in the midst of this affliction trusting to God's perfect timing that he is allowing only the affliction that is necessary in my life to help conform me into his image; and that I would be faithful in prayer as I invite the power of the Holy Spirit into this place and continue to do so even when it doesn't seem to be doing any good.
Please pray with us to these ends.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! -Romans 11:33
11 comments:
Psa 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."
If you guys keep giving God all the glory, you might be there forever. You keep giving us all this great stuff to ponder, so I think He has you right where He wants you! Would you like me to come put up some different wall paper?
It is easy for me to get discouraged and think, "Come on God, why aren't you listening??" Although I know He has a bigger story he's working on, and doesn't seem to ever follow my time line! A short verse that comes to me often when I grow weary of praying when God doesn't seem to be listening is, Isaiah 63:7 "Give the LORD no rest until He completes His work."
So many times this last few weeks I have thought "man, I am supposed to be the one encouraging them" and yet your words have encouraged me to no end. Last night as Christa and I talked I too vented some frustration about the "divine plan" in all of this. Your thoughts were inspired and aimed directly at my heart and i am sure many others out there reading your blog. Thank you both for your tremendous perseverance and commitment to Gods Holy providence and grace.
Oh, Tina and Matt, we are so sorry that you have to do all this waiting! It must be so hard on you! We are praying that the Lord gives you an extra measure of patience along with "The peace that passes all understanding". We love you guys and you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
G-Dude and Kathy
"Be anxious for nothing but in everything, but by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God"
Believe me all those who love you both are making their requests known to God. The prayers of a righteous person avails much. how we love you. Gloria S. told me one time when she was dealing with her ca "a hundred years from now this won't even make a difference" that encouraged me. xo
We also pray for you guys daily. Tina with that head wrap you may want look into joining the Taliban when this is all over : - ))
AND IT WILL Be OVER SOOOOON!!!
Unkle J and Aunt CA
We are so proud of the two of you. What an amazing testimony you are to all of us. Trusting and knowing that God is still in control of all of this. We will continue to "pray without ceasing"
Sending my love to you both!
Matt and Tina, we have been praying for seizures and so is our prayer chain. Tina, my dear, you are still smiling after all of this. Matt pls write a book after this is over You 2 will surely be rewarded. I think of Jer 17:10. Tina, maybe we should decorate your turbin?? How about a butterfly and a few flowers? A fashion statement is a must and you are right on target with the muslems. Love and hugs,
Uncle Joe and Aunt Max
Hi Matt. Okay! Wow! You have humbled me. I have you and your family on my daily prayer card and I will incorporate your prophetic petitions. We have held your family up in prayer during our family prayer time on Sunday nights, too.
Can I bring a meal to your kids and who they are staying with? You can give me their number and I'd love to prepare a meal.
Peace,
Sharon
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