As most of you know, I have been sick for the last two weeks. If you did not know, then I will quickly fill you in. Two weeks ago I found out that I had E. Coli which had spread into my kidneys. I was immediately started on antibiotics which would be given to me twice a day for five days, all through an IV port which had to remain in my arm during this time period; I was also taking antibiotics orally. After the five days were up we went back to the doctor to find out the E. Coli is still in my system. I have been put on more antibiotics, but they do not really seem to be helping. I am ALWAYS tired, the couch has become my new home, and I've watched more movies in these past two weeks than I've ever seen in my entire life. Although I've been a complete couch-potato, God has still taught me a lot through all of this.
There has been a few times I have given up all hope on getting well and broken down into tears, but each time God has placed someone there to encourage me. He has let me see the love my grandparents have for me as they have sent prayer requests out frequently. He has shown me the faith my family and friends have that I sincerely long for. Of all the things He has shown me, though, my mind continues to wander back to the encouraging words I've received from others.
I've received so many emails with prayers and encouraging words over the past two weeks. I've gotten emails from people who are close to me, people I've never met before, and people in a variety of places around the world. Some of the emails have made me want to cry, others have made me laugh. All of them, though, showed me how God loves me.
Here is a few messages which really encouraged me to continue trusting God with my health:
And, yes, our group is praying specifically that God will reach down from
Heaven and dip His wonderful finger into your kidney and release all the
ecoli out of your kidney and restore it to health.
Do you believe He could? Do you believe He wants to? Well, my precious
little girl, He can and He wants to. We are holding on to our faith that He
can and will do just that!
(Thank you, Mrs. Lee!)
We're so sorry to hear the news. Debbie is exactly right----this precious family has put all their heart into doing God's work there, it's succeeding and the devil hates it. We will kick up our prayers for them, as well as for you who is surely hurting to see their loved ones under attack. Thank you for the update.
(Thank you, Mr. Carr)
Yesterday I was listening to a radio station on Itunes that plays wonderful Jazz, Country Swing, and Big Band music. One of the songs that played said, "The Devil works twenty-four hours a day, he never does rest." As I read my cousin Fred's email:
Thanks for the updates. Will forward to my prayer chains and tell them to Turn Volume UP. With God's help we will kick the Devils butt!!!!!
I not only thought of the phrase above, but I also thought of the famous song The Devil Went Down to Georgia. If you have not heard this song, you are seriously missing out! You see, the Devil went down to Georgia and made a bet with Johnny. Johnny told the Devil he may be good at the fiddle, but Johnny is the best in town. In the end, Johnny beats the Devil.
Now, I'm not making any bets with the Devil here, but even if I did... I know I would win, because I got one AWESOME God on my side who always has my back. God has a plan and He's already using my sickness to teach me (and hopefully some of ya'll) wonderful things.
*I thank each of you who have prayed for me. I thank each of you who have asked others to pray for me. And I thank each of you who have encouraged me and my family members.
