Day 68 by Aaron’s mom
Today Aaron spent a few hours at the hospital clinic with Dr. Paquette. He is sure that Aaron doesn’t have a bowel obstruction,which is good news, and believes the nausea is completely from his drugs. He did get IV fluids for a few hours to replace what he lost earlier today from vomiting. We’re glad he didn’t end up back in the hospital. Across the street is just fine. He’s comfortable this evening. I’m hoping he takes a couple bites of his Father’s Day mega-cookie baked by Kathy Thomas.
Here’s one of several questions emailed to me from Pat Hartmann and my answer.
How do you reconcile the urge to get one million people praying with the “God is in control” mindset?
We are told in scriptures to pray for the sick. Yet, in spite of out prayers, the sick often die unnaturally young. Have our prayers failed? Thousands prayed for Aaron’s big sister, yet she succumbed to heart disease during her eleventh year. Was there not a single prayer that met some heavenly standard of faith? I think not. Was her death the by-product of man’s free-will: injured in the womb by a man-made toxin? Maybe. Or was it simply God’s will she join him in heaven because of some master plan we just don’t understand. Very possible. Do any of the above possibilities negate the command to pray for the ill? No! Ultimately, reconciling is a poor substitute for trust. When I don’t understand God’s will, I trust his character. Healing or no healing, I will not doubt the goodness of my God.
June 19th, 2007 at 10:28 am
That IS good news - and I continue to pray about Aaron’s nausea. I thank God with you for all the things He has done, and continues to do.
As for the question/answer, that is quite obviously the answer of someone whose consistency in faith has cost them something priceless. There are some who have a faith that hasn’t cost them anything to maintain. For them the phrase “God is in control” is trite and has no meaning. But for the one who has suffered, and who has maintained trust in God’s love for us, the phrase “God is in control” loses the trite flavor. It becomes praise; thank you for that reminder.
June 19th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
great answer! thanks so much!
June 19th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Beautiful answer.
June 19th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
I, also, trust in God’s character. There is a lot we don’t know. But we do know that God knows, God cares, and God is good.
About your question a few days (weeks???) ago — “you are responsible for the nurse’s…” etc. I sure would not want to fly with a pilot who said that! Yet, so glad Natalie has kept on top of what’s happening. Amazing, really.
Lastly, I agree with Aaron having the high-priced doctor sign a paper to the effect that he would not charge for looking in on Aaron and (presumably) will check for billing errors in the past! Hooray for Aaron! I would have done the same thing! I hope you have recevied a refund by now — it is outrageous!!! I love you all so much, Boydstons.
June 19th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Thank you Ann for your answer, and to A. Friesen, whom I don’t know, but wish I did. There are not words … be well Aaron. Praying for an alternative to the drugs that won’t make you sick.
(From Emily: Dear Michaela: I can’t wait until you get home. Hope that you are all well. Maybe when you get home we can swim together and splash together. Say hi to Christopher)
June 20th, 2007 at 7:51 am
I trust you are seeing the impact of answering those questions from the depth of your hearts and understanding of God and His goodness. 325 newsletters went out with those answers. You are reaching people and ministering to them and teaching them how to handle their difficult trials. It is fantastic you put it in the blog. Consider putting the others in.
To you all, may the God of love invade your souls today with new hope and courage until you see the victory.
June 20th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
You guys are so living out the goodness of God. It’s amazing how He keeps supplying you with faith through all of this, not to mention all you experienced with Celeste’s illness. If that doesn’t speak to His power, I don’t know what can. Just watching from a distance has strengthened my trust immeasurably. Thank you for your faithfulness and your patience. With this many people praying and watching, there won’t be any doubt who is really in control in the end.
June 20th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
thank you
we love you
we’re still praying
and believing
God IS Good
always
even if (when)we don’t get it
:)