The past week was a roller-coaster starting off as an uphill climb and ending back on flat ground. At the beginning of the week, John was having a lot of trouble breathing especially at night. One night was the worse I had ever seen him as far as him having difficulty breathing. He had to get up and come downstairs to sit in upright in the recliner, something he hasn’t has to do since our hospital visit in May. When he woke up the next morning and weighed himself he had gained four pounds. This is a definite sign that fluid is backing up, and we immediately called the doctor. He gave John a “super water-pill” that they don’t like to prescribe unless absolutely necessary because of the possible damage it could cause to his liver after prolonged use. However, that water-pill did the trick! He has felt much better since then.
Throughout the week, God continued to bring us encouragement through stories of other people who have dealt with chronic illnesses much like John’s. It seems that each time our hope begins to fade, He steps up and hand delivers words and experiences that bring right back up into His Hands.
Lord, we thank you for these blessings this week:
1. Giving us encouragement and hope through the stories of other people who have dealt with chronic illnesses.
2. The medication that helped get fluid off of John’s body and helped him to feel better.
3. Sustaining John’s weak heart and for the strength and energy you have given him to get through his days.
4. Continuing to help us to see Your perspective and make us more like You through this process.
5. John’s health care, doctors, nurses, and the entire transplant team.
6. Our families and friends who offer us continual support and love.
7. My summers off from work so that I can focus on taking care of John and running our household.
8. Your Word that teaches us about the hope we have in You.
This week, Lord, please hear these prayers from us:
1. We pray for John’s heart donor. That he is a Christian or becomes one soon. We pray for his family. That they know You and if not will come to know You through their trials and circumstances. That you will give them love, comfort, hope, and peace. That there is peace in their family presently, and that their relationships continue to build throughout the next several months.
2. Please humble us. Remind us daily from whom all the possibilities of our future come from. Remind us that we are nothing without You and your grace.
3. Please give us Your perspective and understanding of life, the world, our future, and eternity. Help us to have a spiritual and eternal mindset even in the mundane activities of our daily lives.
4. Continue to use this season of our lives to grow us to become your disciples. Help us to be open to Your voice and respond to it out of the Holy Spirit’s leadings.
5. Please continue to sustain John’s heart. Give him energy and strength each day. Give him restful sleep at night. Take away the aches and pains he feels.
6. Please keep defeat and discouragement far from John’s mind and heart.
7. Give me to energy to serve John daily and to be the wife you’ve called me to be for him.
8. Please give John wisdom about work and how much work he needs to safely do each day. Help him to trust in You to meet all of our needs.
9. Be with the transplant team and give them wisdom in treating John.
10. Please send John a healthy heart that will give him many, many more productive years serving You.
11. Of the hearts that become available in the next few months, we pray that one is a perfect match for John. We pray one becomes available in Your timing and no sooner.
Leave a Reply