BUT GOD II …
When have you last had one of those “BUT GOD” moments … I first wrote BUT GOD while my first husband was in the hospital for a dual transplant (see https://www.carolloewen.com/but-god/). When life throws us curve balls we must choose how to respond. Will we respond with faith in the God who loves us, or will we crumble?
We’ve had a number of those recently.
Our pastor was diagnosed with a frontal lobe, inoperable brain tumor. What a shock to Tim and Pam, and to our church family.
BUT GOD … led our church to merge with another about three months ago
So we have another pastor, one who expected to co-pastor with Tim for about the next year but has now been thrown into the lead role. And we have a Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ!
Our Good Shepherd
BUT GOD … allowed Pam to share their journey with the church the week after Tim’s diagnosis
She talked to us with power, with confidence that God is with them and with us, and will somehow use this for His purposes. Pam knows she and Tim are beloved children of God, and much-loved ministers to us.
So we pray … for Tim, Pam and their family as he begins treatment. And for Joe, who now carries a heavier load.
Don has felt a great deal of fatigue the past months. A sleep study confirmed he has sleep apnea. As his doctor said, “You can be a good sleeper without being a good breather!” We were told the wait period to get his CPAP was 4-6 months.
BUT GOD … We were able to rent a CPAP within a few days
AND we picked up Don’s own machine on Thursday, only 1.5 months after his study. His energy is slowly increasing and he is more able to do what he wants to around the yard and house.
A dear friend needed a heart stress test to see whether his heart can handle needed surgery. We took him to Stanford yesterday and he passed that test.
While our friend was being tested, then met with the surgeon, Don told me he felt awful. Very nauseous, neck pain, weak, unsteady. I called the advice nurse who asked lots of questions and then sent us to the VA ER. I was concerned my husband might have had a TIA.
BUT GOD … went before us
Stanford is 3 miles from the VA so we were already nearby. Don got right in, got a C-scan (which showed nothing abnormal, no evidence of TIA or stroke), blood work taken, etc. I didn’t know what I would do if Don was still in ER when Bob got out of Stanford and I was only one person with one vehicle. But Don was released about 5:30 and Bob called us at 6:30!
The medication the ER gave Don for the nausea started to wear off. So we dropped our friend off and got Don home and right into bed, where he slept for thirteen hours. We don’t know what caused this nausea and unsteadiness.
Don’s and my plan is to leave for a road trip tomorrow morning. After lots of sleep last night and again today, he feels good enough to go as planned.
BUT GOD … knows the past, present and future
He will direct us and lead us in the way we should (or shouldn’t) go.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV
So we will trust our God and take one step at a time. As you think of us, we appreciate your prayers.
It’s been a crazy week … BUT GOD!
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
I’m praying for Don and also for you as you head out …
Susan
That means so much, Susan. Thank you!
Carol, you and Don are in our prayers. God go before you & behind you & keep His hand upon you.🙏
Thank you so much, Kathy. We are also joining with the church in prayer for Tim and Pam. Much love.
I’m so grateful that Don was feeling better and that your road trip stopped briefly in Hillsboro Oregon! You have no idea what a blessing that was to me Carol and Don!! Praying you to your next destination and home. I love you dearly.
You were/are a blessing to us too Sue. We both love you!