A friend sent me the following bible verse this morning:
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I live about 1,600 miles from my hometown, where my parents and some of my siblings still live. My husband and I moved away over eight years ago. Several of his immediate family members moved closer to us a few years ago, but my family members did not. I married husband, knowing that he was training to become a full-time minister. I had been involved with ministry for several years before we were married, but only as a volunteer, but I was good friends with the youth pastors at our church. Although I thought I knew what to expect when I married a minister, my faith was really tested when God called us away from our hometown to a small church halfway across the country. I took for granted all of those years of being able to celebrate ALL of the holidays with my parents any time we wanted.
My father is fighting for his life. He was in the hospital a week ago for some emergency issues, including low blood pressure and a high fever. He was released on Wednesday and was happy to be home. Then, Friday morning my mother called an ambulance because he was struggling to breathe. He has been in the intensive care unit since then. His brother flew across the country to visit him (he had planned to visit later this year), and my aunt drove in from hundreds of miles away too. Someone has been able to sit with my dad in his room during visiting hours ever since he got there. Several people have been there for my parents, but I have not. My mom, sister, and brother are all keeping us updated. They have taken turns letting us know what is going on via text messaging, mostly. We have asked our friends and extended family on social media to pray for my dad, and people have been praying for him!
It is a struggle for me to not be able to visit my dad right now. We have made the decision to "wait and see." From all of this, I have been comforted by my friends and family who have told me they are praying for my dad and family. With my own recent health issues, I have been reminded that I can still rejoice in the LORD, even when suffering. I have peace in knowing that God is with me. I do not need to worry about anything (although I do). I have given God all of my anxieties and worries about my dad. I do not know what is going to happen, but I know that God has this. I have peace in knowing my Savior, Jesus Christ. I continually talk to Him, and He comforts me. If you are suffering or worried, or are doing just fine, know that your Father is always available. Give Him your struggles. Let Him know, and thank Him.
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