what a Savior! (part 3/3)

This is the third of three parts of the story of "William - week 1, see below for parts 1 & 2".

So why did I write all this? What was the purpose of all the details, besides journaling it just to remember? One reason: to exalt and extol our Savior! It was so comforting to know that through ALL of this, our greatest needs had been met! I knew if anything was to happen to Amy she would join the Savior in heaven. If you know me well, you would know that I struggle with anxiety. It is probably my biggest weakness – unbelief. As it says in Hebrews, ‘without faith, it is impossible to please God.’ How amazing is it – without faith it is impossible to please God. Without God it is impossible to have faith! With God, this trial, however difficult it was, I was not overwhelmed by anxiety. I was met - met by my Lord. He soothed my soul, carried me through, and strengthened me so that I could care for Amy and William during this week.

Within all these details – most contained an opportunity for catastrophe… I also can now see I was being prepared for this week for the last 4 years. When my dad got cancer and I spent countless days in the hospital and at home caring for him – it was preparing me to practically live at a hospital and care for someone I love again. When I faced many sleepless nights the past 3 or 4 months in what was probably anxious anticipation of this coming time, I was being prepared for sleepless nights caring for William, and being fed by encouraging words from my wife, dear friends, pastors (and other pastors’ families), and from the writings of men like Charles Spurgeon to further strengthen and prepare me.

This was one of the hardest things I have ever done, if not THE hardest. It was emotional, physically, and spiritually trying. Yet I was never alone, not for one second. I knew that He who saved me did not leave me to face trials like this on my own. He poured out His Spirit upon me and surrounded me with love from other co-heirs in Jesus. Amy, William, and I were carried on hearts and lifted up in prayer by so many. If you are reading this, you probably prayed for us. Thank you. Thank you for caring enough about my family to petition the Lord on our behalf. We are blessed to have the relationships we do. We are humbled and grateful. Amazed by grace. If it was even 10 or 15 years ago, I could have lost either Amy or William or both. Do I have modern medicine or luck to thank? No I am a debtor to Mercy.
Thank you, Lord.