The Deep End of Faith

Days like today are those where God is pushing us to the deep end of our faith. Ones where we are challenged to remember He is good. He is for us. He loves us. He is mighty to save. His ways are higher. Specifically, His delays are not denials.

Wendy was not able to receive chemo today, as her white blood count was too low to receive it safely. It was certainly a disappointment for her. She had to receive a booster shot today (for her WBC), and will receive another tomorrow in hopes that treatment can occur on Wednesday. Our white blood cells protect us against illness, and when they are too low, we are at an increased risk of infection. Because chemo naturally threatens the white count further, it is a no-go until they are at a healthy level. Friends, mid-week treatments are NOT on Wendy's wish list! She wants to get it DONE, so she can enjoy the weekends with her crew! But, we MUST keep the faith- God's ways are HIGHER than our ways. I loved this reminder that I found today from Daily Bread as I was searching the Word for relief of the "why Wendy, why today" questions that were circling in my head and heart this morning...

"It was natural for Martha and Mary to send for Jesus when Lazarus became seriously ill (John 11:1-3). Perhaps they looked anxiously along the road for signs of His arrival, but Jesus didn’t come. The funeral service had been over for 4 days when Jesus finally walked into town (v.17).

Martha was blunt. “If You had been here,” she said, “my brother would not have died” (v.21). Then her faith flickered into certainty, “Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (v.22). I wonder what she expected. Lazarus was dead, and she was wary about opening the tomb. And yet at a word from Jesus, Lazarus’ spirit returned to his decaying body (vv.41-44). Jesus had bypassed simply healing His sick friend, in order to perform the far greater miracle of bringing him back to life. Waiting for God’s timing may also give us a greater miracle than we had hoped for."

My Savior hears me when I pray,

Upon His Word I calmly rest;

In His own time, in His own way,

I know He’ll give me what is best. —Hewitt

Let's thank God tonight for giving Wendy her best chance at striking out cancer, for giving her HIS best. Time spent waiting on God is never wasted. Our faith is far more valuable than gold. Whether today, or Wednesday, He is working and worthy of our praise.

Please specifically pray for: 

• Wendy's white blood cell count! NO MORE DELAY'S and NO ILLNESS!
• NO SIDE EFFECTS with this chemotherapy! 
• PRAISE for an increase in Wendy's red blood count after her recent transfusion. It is amazing how much better you feel when your body is receiving oxygen!
• Wendy's heart as she faces trials, disappointments and discouragements. 
• FOR COMPLETE HEALING! 
• Andy as he cares for Wendy through these trials, as well as his care over his family and work.
• Ashlyn, Taylor and Luke as they each deal with life in their own ways, and for Andy and Wendy as they parent them with their best during this time. 
• Andy and Wendy's families and friends to have eyes to see their needs and encourage them often! 

Many blessings! I will update you soon! In the meantime, wear orange (or buy orange in the store). Send a text or a note. Drink a root beer in solidarity. Pray. Most of all, pray.

K