The Book of Providence
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in Your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:16
My family has always been close with my sister-in-law’s family, and Asher has always been close with their son. They are a family of three, who had been living in a small house which they had outgrown years ago. In late summer 2018 they found a great house that would give them the room they so desperately needed, with a little extra to spare for guests. They put in an offer, and it was accepted. However, they struggled to sell their own home for months. Amazingly, the owners of the house they wanted to purchase continued to honor the contract during those many months, despite getting other offers for the house. Christmas 2018 year was a bit of an extra celebration, because they were finally able to find a buyer, and moving day was just a few weeks away. What I initially thought it was just the kindness of others, was more evidence that Providence was at work before we ever knew anything was wrong.
You see, my wife’s family lives less than two hours from St. Jude in Memphis, and their new home became a home away from home for us for many weekends; a place where each member of my family was able to connect, love, laugh, and occasionally cry. This may not seem like a lot, but when you’re in the worst of circumstances, and you can’t even sleep in your own bed at night, having respite in the familiar goes a long way, and for that, we are grateful, and we give thanks to God, who was working the whole time to provide that space for us.
January 30 Update:
First, we thank God for His care. He continues to sustain us by His Spirit, and through the prayers and generosity of His people. We are grateful for several good days for Asher, free from the mental fogginess of medication, where he was able to just be himself. He’s back to making us laugh a lot, and we really treasure this time with him. We were able to leave St Jude for the weekend and spend that time with family, and that contributed to a sense of normal, if only for a short time. We’re still residing on the main campus at St. Jude, as we’re on a waiting list for housing off campus. We’re thankful for how the St. Jude organization has taken such good care of us.
Pray for the doctors this week as they finalize Asher’s radiation treatment. The first day of radiation begins on Monday, February 4. It will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Each day is precious to us, so pray for Leah and I as we plan visits and trips for the near future.
Pray for our hearts, especially our children’s hearts. We want to continually lead our kids toward the sufficiency and strength of our God. We want to remind them that He is trustworthy, no matter the circumstances, and that His glory is our good.
Pray that Asher would not give in to despair as things become difficult for him physically. He is having more trouble with his vision lately, and his left side has become weaker, especially his left leg.
Pray that Asher would be healed in this life. We firmly believe that God can do this, and we trust that if He doesn’t, that it will be for God’s glory, and Asher’s good.
As always, we are honored to have you all locking arms and standing with us. I’m reminded of 1 Peter 4:11 when I think of you: You are serving us “by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Thank you.