Who Perseveres

Our family drove up to Kings Park today to see Michael.  We stopped by Chipotle, because it’s our favorite.  Ellee toted around a huge copy of Harry Potter and sat to read it while we were waiting on line.  We couldn’t have been more proud of her perseverance.  She struggles in school and one of her teachers told her that she should pick a different book to read.  She told me she didn’t understand why her teacher didn’t trust her to read it.  I explained that her teacher loved her and didn’t want to see her get frustrated or have to struggle.  But she insisted that she could read it, so we checked it out for her at the library.  And she worked so hard all throughout the day to read it.  Even in the Chipotle line.

When we got to the Rehab center, Michael was struggling with storming a bit.  So we sat in a little waiting area that had a few couches, some magazines and a fish tank.  Jeremy talked boating with Luke and our kids sat nicely playing a few games on their iPads.  It’s one of the few times that we let them use them freely since they usually can’t go to see Michael anyways.  While we waited, we also got to see Sarah and Mike as well.

When we got to see Michael, it was a little hard.  Because he was storming still and uncomfortable and it’s kind of just hard to see him when he’s struggling.  But we talked a little with him and we told him we loved him.  We told him how much everyone loved him and how everyone was praying for him as well.  We didn’t stay too long, since we had to leave because we had to get back for Christian’s basketball game.  So we took time to pray with Michael and then we headed back.

And I have to say that every day that I get to see Michael, I’m thankful.  I’m thankful that he’s here, I’m thankful that most days I see tiny bits of improvement and I’m thankful to get to tell him how loved he is and how many people are rooting for him.  But I have to say that it’s been kind of a hard transition for Michael to rehab so far.  He’s had a few ups and downs in the past few days and sometimes it’s just so hard.

But I know that God is with Michael.  And I know that He is helping him through every step of the way.  I know Michael needs to persevere through everything and I know that he family will persevere right alongside of him as well.  James 1:12 talks about perseverance.  It says that those who persevere under trials or difficulties… those people will be blessed.  The verse goes on to say that when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

And there’s a few things that I pull out of that verse.  One, is knowing that God knows that at times life will be hard.  Maybe even really hard.  But he wants us to know that it’s worth while to persevere.  Two, and this is kind of random, but when I see the word persevere, I noticed that it had the word “severe” in it as well.  And maybe because our trials may be severe at times.  But no matter what, we still need to persevere.  Three, I see that in our trials, we need to stand and not fall.  And we can do that with the strength that God promises.  And finally, who doesn’t want to receive a crown for their accomplishments?  Especially one that brings life and one that God has promised to give.

There’s something good about persevering under trial.  I know that with our prayers and our support, Michael and his family will continue to persevere.  They are certainly going through what must be the most severe of trials, but I know that God is with them and that He will bring them blessings as they stand strong.

Michael’s been having some difficulties as of tonight.  He’s undergoing a few different tests that will hopefully give some insight for his doctors and nurses as they work to help figure out what is going on.  Prayers for positive results with these tests would be greatly appreciated tonight.