I honestly believe that we have different seasons of our lives. This season for me has seemed so long, however it's only been about 8 months long (a little longer if you count pregnancy). This season for me is testing. It tests my faith in our Heavenly Father, as well as proves His faithfulness.
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even through refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6-7
In 2000 I was diagnosed with Endometriosis or "Endo" (don't look it up unless you want a lot of information about the female anatomy!!). I had surgery and they thought they got it all...this doesn't mean that it can't come back. The doctors put me on some meds and thought that we had it under control. One of the things that "helps" endo is being pregnant...CHECK. However, NOT being pregnant doesn't help at all. This being said...we are pretty sure that my endo is back. I've been in pain for a while and it's progressively gotten worse. Joe and I are praying through treatment options. My doctor has scheduled me for surgery in February (when my mother-in-law can come down) and has put me on pain pills to cope till then. The surgery is pretty extensive, consisting of a laparoscopy and possibly a removal surgery as well (two different surgeries and incisions but the same procedure).
I just wanted to let you know what is new in our story of doctors. One thing my WONDERFUL doctor said to be today...he said that he can understand why I would have lost faith in the medical community after having something "happen" to Ella that no one can explain and now the endo, which is a disease no one can really explain. I told him that this has nothing to do with the medical community or it's capabilities...this has to do with our God and what he needs me to experience to get a job done for Him. It's not even about me or Ella or even Joe...it's about Him and somewhere His work is being done and His story is being shared and accepted because of the challenges in our family. That's not always easy, but it's the truth.
12 comments:
I'm so ready for this season to be overwith for you guys, hon. I'm so sorry about all of this, but you are teaching ME (and probably a lot of other people reading your blog) so much about what it means to have a heart of faith. It's very encouraging to watch you and Joe approach life with such an amazing "not our will, but YOURS, Lord" attitude. Truly inspiring.
We love you and will be praying blessings over you tonight.
Andrea,
Your last paragraph really gripped me. It's so true. Rarely is it about us, but in the midst of the pain, that exactly what we struggle with - What is wrong with US? Our God is greater than we can even fathom. I've always looked forward to the day, when I got to heaven, that I was so overwhelmed with His presence that it drops me to my knees. But it's already happened here on earth.
Our Sunday School class has prayed over you and Ella and it's amazing to see how He has worked in your Life thus far. Even greater things are to come! He will not disappoint.
Andi
Andrea, you are such an amazing person. I hope that you know, your strength and faith help so many other people. Maybe you are supposed to be a teacher, because I can attest that you have strengthened my faith in our Lord above. Thank you for using your gift of expression and honesty. My family will continue to pray for you and yours. God bless!
To go along with the poages, you really are teaching so many people, including us, about unwavering faith in our Lord. Your attitude of trust and praise, even when you are worried or scared is a testimony to the type of faith that God wants us to develop in our lives, through every season. Continue to fight the good fight and know that we are praying for you, Joe and Ella. Keep allowing God to transform your lives into a story of His power and glory! We love you guys.
I'm so sorry. I remember coming to see you during your first surgery. I hope this recovery is as quick. Please let me know if I can help out.
Andrea, Thank you again for a wonderful truth and the blessing that goes with it. I am always amazed at how God works in our lives and to see how much He loves you and to watch Him bless you an so many others through you really blesses me. I pray for you daily and can see how our God is working in and through you, keep up the wonderful work as you serve our Lord. Also thank you for being such a blessing to Joe and Ella. Love ya Dad
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~Jods
Andrea.
As James 5 says to pray, I pray for you with the faith that God can and will heal you. I pray that it will be evident to all that only God could have touched your body...and that more precious babies are in store for you in the future. God knows your body better than you or any doctor, so I trust that He can heal you. I bring you boldly before the throne of our God who still performs miracles. Bring your requests before him, and trust.
Love you,
Christi
you are something else, my friend. i know it doesn't seem like it, but you are walking by faith and living a life of grace. as steph said, i am encouraged just by being a "bystander" in your journey. may you and joe, and ella after you, one day proclaim, "i have fought the good fight. i have finished the race. i have kept the faith."
love you!
You have grown...You are an incredible woman.
wow, your strength and steadfast faith amazes me and encourages me. your spirit and heart are a testament to God's grace. thank you for your honesty and we continue to pray for you and your family!
8 days is too long for me to go without a new Mitchells post!
I love you, Ro. Thanks for having the bravery to share your hurts and praises openly. I've always loved that about you. I admire your realness and know it's what keeps us going! (have you read Matt's latest blog about honesty?)
Lunch. Soon. Please.
Post a Comment