Praise Him

I received an early morning text from Sally today that made my heart sink.

She shared that Michael was still quite uncomfortable and that the shunt was not working as it should.  A few hours later, she shared that the doctors would need to put in an external drain (because the internal shunt was not working) and that Michael would again be in surgery today.  I’d learn later that there was a little bleeding at the shunt site which clogged everything up and that the doctors would now have to go in and clear it up in a few days.

I have to admit.  I was pretty disheartened.  It seems as though Michael has been through so much and to have this happen was a little bit devastating at first.

But tonight dear friends, I know that even though it’s hard, there is good.  I know that this is just another bump in the long road that comes with traumatic brain injury.  I know that God loves Michael and that He is still working for his good.  And I know that even through Michael’s family has been through so much, that they are trusting in God and depending on His strength to get them through.

I know these things because they are true.

Sally shared tonight that she wanted us to know that these times are extremely draining, scary and heartbreaking.  But knowing God is always with you is comforting.  That these things are happening in the right setting and time where Michael can get what he needs immediately.  She shared that it is reassuring knowing that you have the loving support from so many people and this is what keeps you going.  She praises God for these things and He is keeping her strong.  She finished by writing that she didn’t know where she would be without Him.

God is working mightily in and through this whole situation.  He is weaving good amongst the bad and He is working beautiful things for Michael and his family.

Psalm 42:5 and also 42:11 summed up my feelings today.  My heart resonated, reading the words which said:

“Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Each day, I could sit in the struggle of what is going on with our friend Michael, as he struggles.  But I don’t want to do that, because it doesn’t do anything.  Instead, I want to focus and put my hope it God.  I can still praise Him and keep praising Him, because He is my Savior and He is my God.

I can’t see the big picture.  But God can.  I know His ways are perfect and secure.  And so I’ll keep praising Him and trusting in His mighty works.

Please pray for Michael.  His surgery went well today and the external drain will help Michael for the next few days as the doctors wait for his brain to heal a bit.  Right not his shunt is clogged and so in a few days the doctors will go in and unclog it.

But for now, we could pray for a miracle.  That the shunt will clear on its own.  We could also pray that in a few days, when the doctors go in to do the procedure, that it would go well and that it would be an easy spot to clear.  I think overall, we pray for God’s will, but we can pray knowing that He will be faithful and that He will work what is best for Michael.

On behalf of Sally, Michael and Michael’s family, thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.  They are truly helping this family through this difficult time and I know they appreciate them all so very much!