A few things about stretching are common knowledge among professionals in my field:
1.) to be effective, stretching must be done on a regular basis;
2.) the stretch must be held for a certain length of time (no one truly knows how long is best), but somewhere between 15 and 30 seconds; and
3.) static stretching is the best form, meaning a LOOONG, prolonged stretch; and some evidence suggests
4.) more than 1 stretch is needed (2-3 times for each particular muscle) at a time.
This is also what God is doing to me. He is stretching my faith in Him, stretching my patience, stretching my limits.
It is not a 1 time stretch, for evidence suggests that this has no lasting results. It is a long, prolonged stretch in order to create a lasting effect in my spiritual muscle which (as soon as I think I can take no more) He stretches a little further each time.
He holds me in this stretch for as long as He chooses, while all the time I think its too long, too hard, too much. But He knows what is best. He knows what it will take to make a permanent change.
I recently had a test to determine if I was the carrier for Duchenne's MD, and my test results came back that the CK levels were within normal limits. I thought that was good news, but as soon as I talked to Garrett's neurologist I was informed that that only lowered my chance of being a carrier to 15-20%. So, on Thursday I go for a DNA test (the same one Garrett had) to make a determination. When we get those results (Garrett's took 6 weeks), we will determine if Charlotte needs to be tested.
Garrett also has his first appointment at the MD Clinic on Thursday. He will have periodic visits to determine how his steroids are working, how his AFO's are going....a general check-up.
This will be the first visit of this type: It will be the first time we are surrounded by other boys with this horrible disease in its varying forms. It will be the first time Garrett comes face to face with others that share his diagnosis. It will the first time Randy and I see exactly what we may encounter in the future.
It will not, however, be the first time God holds our hand. It will not be the first time God realizes that we need Him. It will not be the first time it dawns on God that we are in the middle of this storm and we are desperate for Him.
And while I have a deep fear of the unknown for us, for Garrett; He will not be surprised by anything we encounter.
8 comments:
And that my friend, is wisdom which reminds me of this verse:
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
Thank you for sharing.
mama says as the storm passes over he;s still holding our hand.
There are no words but Christ's that even seem adequate to say to anyone that is facing what you are...
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor. 12:10
As God is "stretching" you and your family to fit the will that He has ordained to bring glory to Him, please know that you are being lifted in prayer.
I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
[Chorus]
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
You are not alone, we are crawling through this with you. You are the strongest person I know. You are such a blessing to me.
2 Corinthians 1:3&4
Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble and the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Thanks for sharing! I will continue to lift you up as you constantly amaze and encourage me.
Amber, Every time I read your post I am amazed. God will see you thru this storm, I have no doubt. We are lifting you and the family up in prayer. We love you !!
Ernie and Connie
Wow. Part of me wants to pray for widom, for perspective like this. But the other part of me is so afraid of how God might get me there... You are right, our God is bigger than anything, and He will be right there with you.
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