Friends
It has been quite a challenging week for my family. My much-beloved father was taken to the Emergency Room early last Monday and was subsequently admitted for a bloodstream infection, also known as sepsis, which, in turn, caused an exacerbation of his heart failure. The infection was quite serious, as was the fluid overload. Thankfully, he responded immediately to IV antibiotics and heart meds. Within 24 hours, he improved dramatically, and has continued to improve every day since. He is still hospitalized, but hoping to come home today or tomorrow. We covet your prayers for a full recovery for him, as well as a rest and renewal for my mother who has been his faithful caregiver.
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“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24 – NIV
Every week, I write words to you. Sometimes I write the words for you, but quite often, the words are meant for me too. Over the course of this week, I have reminded myself of words I have said in my head many times. I even wrote those words for you in my book. “God doesn’t promise to save us from the struggle. He just promises to see us through it, one day at a time, one wave at a time” (APS, 2022).
It’s true. God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life. Quite the contrary. Jesus warned in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). I am reminded of one of my favorite verses, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
(Psalm 139:16b, NIV). God is not surprised by the events of this week. The psalmist reminds us that “ God knows the problems we face, and He stands ready to strengthen us through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13)..
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).
Although this week has been filled with hardship and suffering, we have not faced it alone. God has walked this hard road with us, upholding each of us with His righteous right hand. Countless prayers have been lifted on our behalf, and with those prayers has come peace, that peace that passes all understanding. My father has felt it. My mother has felt it, and the peace of God has enveloped me too.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).
As I have moved through the hospital hallways, I have witnessed the kindness of strangers and the compassion of caring, competent caregivers. From the nurses to the nursing assistants to the doctors and the dietary staff, my father’s care has been exceptional. We could not ask for better.
Even my trip to the cafeteria was covered by the blessing of kindness. A business office employee graciously secured a bottle of Diet Coke for me when he realized my vision struggles. The cafeteria worker came from behind the counter to help me pay for my meal using their unfamiliar self check-out system. He rang up my purchase, packed my meal in a bag, loaded me up with napkins, walked me to the door, and then held it open for me to exit. Talk about going the extra mile! God has surely been there in all things, both the big and the small.
Last Monday, I got the panicked phone call, cancelled my week, packed my bag, and hit the road for South Carolina. I am so glad I came. I needed to be here, and although the week has been full of challenges, it has also been steeped in blessings. I am thankful for this precious time with my parents, and so grateful for all the love and support received from so many.
My Dad is himself again, bright-eyed and joking around with me. We have talked of old times and told tall tales. We wait for the discharge orders and look forward to getting him back home. Praise God for the big and the small, for blessing upon blessing, and grace upon grace.
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“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
PRAYER
O Good, Good Father, thank You for meeting us on the hard roads of life, for journeying with us and strengthening us through the storms. We know You work all things together for good, even when it’s hard, even when we struggle to stand against the tide of adversity. You are with us, and for us, and nothing, absolutely nothing can stand against. We praise Your Holy Name!
In the Faithful Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Blessings,
Anita
-APS 7/14/2025
Faith Beyond Sight 