Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Calm the storm


Thank you for all your continued prayers and words of encouragement for my mother-in-law. She continues to be in the Heart Center and is struggling with complications each day. There are the high moments, there are the low moments. We continue to stay by her bedside night and day; this phase of her hoped for recovery is exhausting.

I have realized through this process the reality of the mind-numbing deception of control we seek. Each day we practice responsible living whereby, we expect a predicatable outcome. Still, as the impending death of a dearly loved one is looming--we have no control. We want the medical treatments to work, we expect miracles from new technology, we anticipate a quick resolve to our desperate need. And each day, we are reminded, that although we may desire a rapid solution--the truth remains--we do not have control over such things.

It is only when we seek God in the midst of this struggle that we find peace. I cannot tell you how comforting my MIL's faith.....blended with our own.....has been to our aching souls. For a Christian, the foundational belief that this life is not the end; it is a prelude to eternal life. For a Christian, even when we struggle, we believe that God will use our weakness for His purpose and glory. We have seen this miracle in action each day of this trial.

Blod clots, pulminary edima, internal bleeding, damaged heart muscle: each an assault to the heart and body. Yet, our faith holds strong to the belief that we have a conqueror who fights alongside our battle: Jesus Christ. We may become weary in the battle, but the real battle has already been won. This knowledge takes the spin out of our roller-coaster ride; like the disciples who entered the boat with Jesus and a storm arose. Awakening Jesus, they pleaded, "Master, aren't you afraid, a storm has arrived." Jesus rose, rebuked the squall,and calmed the storm (Luke 8: 22-24). This is our prayer for our mother: Jesus, please calm this storm.

9 comments:

rena said...

My prayers are with you. I soooo know what you are going through right now. My mother in law was taken back to hospital yesterday and it seems unlikely that she'll be home again. This past weekend, where we got to spend Thanksgiving with her, was such a gift. And you are right..we are not in control, but a Father in Heaven who loves us beyond measure, is!!
May He grant you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change. Peace and grace to you all.

Dawn said...

So many of us are going through these things with our in-laws. Praise God for His sustaining power. And for strength. And for future hope!

Anonymous said...

My continued prayers are with u
I am struggling with an issue at the moment and I thank you for your reminder in paragraph 3
peace be with u

tam said...

Bless you Diane bless you! When you are in crisis you seem to be able to be uplifting to others.

I am praying you through...just like the first testimony of your theme song here...we all are really...

We're praying you through.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you're going through this time. It's a sad fact of life that we, as adult children, must go through this with our parents. I went through it with my dad three years ago and I just dread the day it comes with my mom.

I know the heart of the Lord is holding you close now... even if you can't quite feel His hand and hear His heartbeat. He is there.

Lisa said...

Diane,
So sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!

May God grant you peace and understanding and strength thru this difficult time!

Sorry I haven't been in touch...
hang in there, darlin.

Saija said...

it is 5 years ago today that my dad passed into eternity ... we don't know what his heart condition was regarding his faith, he didn't share that with us ...

through the trials of this age, if faith is within and without - we have comfort ...

my heart goes out to you and the family - and i pray that the faith you all hold dear - continues to sustain and comfort you through this earthly valley ...

Jesus yesterday, today, and tomorrow ... our only HOPE in any storm!

owlhaven said...

praying for your mom. Thanks for stopping by my place....

Mary

Anonymous said...

I am such a bad blogger. I really haven't visited the people on my blogroll and just read about your struggels. I am sorry, from the bottom of my heart.

It is wonderful that you and your family hold on to the One who can see us through everything. Thank you for sharing those wonderful words. I know it not easy to have peace in a storm, but He makes it much better...