"And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, 'If I only touch His garment, I will get well'" (Matthew 9:20-21).
What our family has endured has not lasted even 12 months at this point. I cannot imagine 12 years. But the woman who encountered Jesus on this day had suffered for 12 years. While I do not know her name, her hair color, her family situation or any further details concerning her illness, there may be more commonality between her and our situation at this particular point in our lives.
Twelve years. I wonder how many doctors she had seen. I wonder how many medicines or therapies she had tried. Yet nothing had worked, this we know. I can relate as for about 8 weeks now Micah has had numerous tests performed, received multiple medications and been examined by countless doctors. All which have not at this time brought us any closer to understanding the exact nature of what Micah has that is causing him to be so severely sick. What we see are the symptoms and issues whatever is ailing him is causing.
But consider also what else we see in this passage. The woman who had the hemorrhage of 12 years comes in desperation to find Jesus Christ. Trials, difficulty, problems and illnesses tend to do that to individuals. You've heard it said that bad times make you bitter or better. This is true. Yet it is true that they either cause you to draw nearer to the Lord Jesus Christ or to distance yourself from Him. This woman was desperate. No doctor...no medicines...no therapies had healed her. She had no answers. And she had but one hope. So she came to Him. Sarah and I feel that level of desperation. We are desperate for answers, but mostly for healing of Micah. He's sick; very sick!
When she came, she was not even looking to have a face to face encounter. This woman of desperate heart desired to be just close enough to touch his garment she would find healing. This reveals to me not just her need or desperation, but her confidence. She knew Jesus Christ had the power to heal. So do we. We know, if the Lord wills, He can heal Micah by the medicine or by the supernatural miracle. Regardless, who Christ is provides a confidence that doesn't exist toward anything or anyone else. Though we are grateful for the medicine and the doctors, we most need the Lord and our confidence is in Him alone.
Micah continues to hang in there, but is obviously and desperately sick. When he's awake, he cries. It appears that either his crying is as a result of feeling so poorly and/or pain stemming from somewhere in his body. He has been eating even less, going for several hours without eating anything at all. His platelet count dropped as low as 12,000 (normal is about 140,000 to 150,000). He received platelets twice this afternoon and may receive them again. Tomorrow he is scheduled to have a liver biopsy and endoscopy. His liver levels remain high and the concern is two-fold: Either he is experiencing an episode of rejection or there could be an infection that has made its way into the liver. The biopsy will test the tissue and give a better picture of what is actually taking place. Because a rejection episode is possible, Dr. Berman prescribed Micah to receive a strong steroid in addition to the steroid and anti-rejection medicine he is currently receiving. The endoscopy will hopefully show if anything is going on in his esophagus or stomach which is causing the tar-like stools.
There is a lot taking place physically with Micah. It is uncertain at this point if all of it is interrelated or if there are multiple items/issues occurring together. Again, tomorrow we hope is a day of or closer to answers; not just more questions.
Nevertheless, in our desperation for healing, we have confidence in our Lord and Savior, the mighty God, who is able to heal with a word or with a touch. So we strive to continue focusing our eyes on Him.
4 comments:
Hey Justin and Sarah,
i just wanted to let you know that Leah and I are fervently praying for Micah and for both of you! y'all have been on both our hearts twice as much this past week....God knew you needed the extra prayers! thank you sooo much for keeping the blog updated! Always in our prayers, Emilee Moore (Leah Jackson's friend)
Justin, Sarah and boys,
This is Tim Morrison from Poquoson Baptist Church. We were told about Micah's recent health issues last night. Just wanted to let you know that everyone that was at our prayer meeting prayed fervently for a miracle in Micah's life. We also continue to lift up Sarah and yourself to the Lord. Rest assurred that the prayers are coming from all angles and I beleive God's glory will shine bright through this unexplained event. I am reminded by this special verse: "My grace is all you need, my power works best in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9. We are praying for you brother, everyday!!!!!
Thank you for keeping us updated on Micah's condition and encouraged through your trust, faith, and hope in the Lord. We are praying for you to be encouraged today and praying Psalm 3:3-8 for Micah and your family.
What 3 beautiful little boys!!!
As I helped my mother care for my father a few years back...
when exhaustion was 1 step away, but sleep would not come;
when physically & emotionally, my actions were robotical;
when I couldn't remember phone conversations or what day of the week it was...
a very wise lady said, "God's Grace is Sufficient." I repeated it over & again, almost like a mantra.
My thoughts are with you at this very trying time of your life.
Justin, your mother will explain who I am. Lived in Etowah & your g'father worked with my dad. My mother thought so much of your g'mother. Yolanda Harris Culberson (Button)
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