Remedy

This has been a hard week. Really hard. Our children have been disrespectful and defiant. We have been sick. Our schedule with school, work, and life has left us with little time for refreshment or quiet. We also have the added issue of financial challenges. All of these things put a strain on our marriage. And it seems as though in these times I am reminded of where Brent and I have been instead of where God is now taking us.

I have been tired. I have been crabby. I have been short with my man. I have felt overwhelmed. I have been sad. I have been mad. I have been confused. What do I do with all that?

This life of being a mom is the most heart wrenching, frustrating, beautiful, wonderful, crazy, overwhelming, confusing, stretching, humbling, shocking, awesome life, one I could have not possibly imagined before walking in these shoes. This week I have been broken. Totally broken. On the edge of feeling like giving up. And man can those feelings be overwhelming.

But God…

Tonight, as I went out to run with my boys, “Never Let Go” by David Crowder Band came on my IPod. In that moment, the Lord reminded me that today, December 11, one year ago, our sweet Abby Grace had her neurosurgery. How could I have forgotten today? That was a hard day and hard weeks leading up to that day. I was broken then too.

But God…

In that moment reminded me of His faithfulness. He reminded me that he has never let go and He is not going to let go now either. He is faithful and good. He didn’t let go 6 years ago either. On December 11, 2002 we brought our oldest son Drew home from St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. after he had brain surgery. He was 19 months old at the time. In the midst of the fire, of the pain, of the hardships, of the trials, of the brokenness, of the feelings, He never lets go. He can handle it all.

And this causes me to lift my hands and my voice in worship and adoration for my King Jesus. You know why? Because I can’t. I can’t handle the pain of my past. I can't handle the mistakes of my past. I can’t handle brain surgery. I can’t handle babies having neurosurgery (and we’ve had 3 babies have neurosurgery). I can’t handle strong willed children (I think I may have 3 of those too…2 for sure). I can’t handle not knowing how everything is going to be taken care of or work out (There are too many of these for me to put a number on). I can’t change my self. I can’t change my kids. I can’t change my husband. I can’t.

But God…

CAN. And He tells me in His word that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 For anyone who has ever thought or said, "Wow, she is just so strong"...please know that the strength to even breath in some of the situations we have faced came from knowing Jesus. It was His strength. He also tells us in His word that "When we are weak He is strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

God specializes in making the impossible possible. He did the impossible in sending His son Jesus here to this fallen, broken world. Jesus, the One who knew no sin, died on the cross and God did the impossible by raising Him to life again by the power of the Holy Spirit. His death conquered sin. He is our remedy. The Only remedy.

One year has passed since Abby's surgery, 6 years since we brought Drew home from his. I was today broken hearted, same as I was one year ago...just a different kind of brokenness. “Life” is often painful...different kinds of pain. I can have joy (and I am not talking about a happy feeling all the time, I am talking about a joy that comes just from knowing Jesus) in the midst of pain, because I know the remedy. He offers life, everlasting life. Jesus Christ is the remedy for all of it. He is the one who can save us. He is the One who goes into the fire with you. He is the One has come and is coming again. He IS the Remedy. What hope and peace and JOY this brings to life my life.

And it just so happened He has a birthday coming up. Won’t you join the celebration?

I hope to leave you with the song “Remedy” by David Crowder Band. The video itself isn't why I posted this...just listen to the words. (You'll have to turn the music off on the side first.) Friends, Jesus truly is the remedy for whatever it is that you might be facing. I believe that with all my heart. My prayer is that you will too.



Thank you Jesus for being my Remedy. Thank you that you love us and care for us and never leave us. Thank you for coming, for dying, for being raised from the dead, for for conquering death and sin, and for promising to come again. I love you. Thank you for Abby Grace. Thank you for Drew. Thank you for Sam. Thank you for Lizzy. Thank you for Brent. They are all miracles.