This last weekend we participated in our church’s baby dedication for Elizabeth. When trying to select a dedication verse, I found myself reflecting on the verses that have been particularly meaningful to us over the last few months. Psalm 121:1-2 stood out to me.I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.
Throughout all of our struggles, I’m thankful for Jehovah Ezer, the LORD our helper. When the obstacles seem too big for us, we can put our trust in the one who made heaven and earth.
Nothing is too difficult for a God who speaks order into chaos and existence from nothing. This is the same God who sees our particular situation and struggles.
The word Hebrew word “ezer” is translated as “help” in Psalm 121:1-2, but it can also be translated as succor – “assistance and support in times of hardship and distress.”
I can say with confidence, that God has been our assistance and our support in our times of hardship and distress. The journey hasn’t been an easy one, but he has been faithful to his promise to never leave us nor forsake us. We have relied on his help throughout each diagnosis and doctors appointment.
As the mom of four, sometimes my children try to “help” me…it’s not always so helpful. I think I try to do the same with God. I think that He needs MY help (which is why I’m always more than ready to offer suggestions on how I think He should “fix” my problems), but the reality is that it’s the other way around. I need HIS help, and the good news of the gospel is that he has promised to send the Helper.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:26
We’re continually thankful for your prayers for our family and for the presence of the Holy Spirit who calls to mind the promises and character of God.
We have a long journey ahead of us, but we know that our God is faithful and we trust Him to be our help along the way.
Lord,
You have been our help in times of trouble. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who helps us remember the words you have spoken, and grants us the grace and peace of Christ as we follow you down uncertain roads. You are good, even when things are not. We trust You, even though we cannot see how things will come together for our good. Be our strength. Be our peace. Thank you for your character and for your provision. You love Elizabeth. You love those who pray on her behalf. Hear our prayers and answer them according to your good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Prayer requests
- We will return to DFW next week for additional medical appointments. Pray for safe travels for our whole family as we make the 400-mile drive.
- 5/26 – Pediatric Ophthalmologist Appt. – Hydrocephalus can sometimes affect the optic nerve and vision, so we’ll be taking her in to have her eyesight checked and her optic nerve evaluated.
- 6/1 – Sedated MRI and appointment with her Neurosurgeon – based on the results from this meeting we will either be driving back to NM or we will be preparing for brain surgery #3 and the placement of a VP shunt.
- Pray that her ETV is successfully draining the fluid from her brain and that her ventricle size is stable or decreasing.
- Pray that her brain will be protected from damage and that she will continue to develop to her full potential, to the glory of God.
- For mom and dad: Pray for discernment, wisdom, and peace as we seek to care for Elizabeth and our sons.
We’re still waiting on insurance approval for genetic testing. We’re hoping it will be approved while we’re there in town so that we can go ahead and get the bloodwork taken care of without needing an additional trip.
Praise:
- Elizabeth seems to be feeling well and is happy and content. I’ve not noticed swelling at her incision site like I did after her first surgery (which may have been an indicator of failure the first time around).
- The insurance company authorized the genetic testing, so we should be able to have the bloodwork drawn when we’re at the hospital on June 1st.
- While I still have my “moments,” for the most part, the fear and anxiety that plagued me during the first few months of her diagnosis have mostly stayed away.
- God has provided for our needs through our friends and church family, and we’re tremendously grateful and blessed by their willingness to come alongside us and help with everything from meals, to childcare, to travel expenses. You have been the hands and feet of Christ to us, and we’re thankful for the love you’ve demonstrated in such tangible ways.
Read more about our journey:
BEAUTIFUL to hear your words. May daughter Mattie is a wonderful example of God’s blessings she has hydrocephalus and is legally blind, however you wou ldnot normally know it to meet her. God gives her strength everyday just as he will Elizabeth
Thanks for sharing, Margie. <3