What we didn't know...

During our conversation with Dr. Ebeid (Avery's cardiologist)today, we began to discuss New York. He mentioned how sick Avery really was, and how worried he'd been about her. As we talked, he brought up Dr. Bacha's notes from surgery. Since we only spoke to Dr. Bacha after the 6 hours of waiting, he only told us the great news that she made it and was doing well. We did not know that Avery crashed early on because she wasn't tolerating the anesthesia.
I think I stepped outside of my own body for a moment when he told us. All I ever thought about was how great she did (eventhough we had some bumps in the road), and now I know that she almost died. While she is so precious to me, that thought will make me hug her a little tighter each day.
It is so much more evident to me that God answered our prayers, that God held her through it, and that God skilled Dr. Bacha's hands to do that specific surgery at that specific moment in that specific place. I used to get sort of confused about the Holy Spirit when I was younger, but I see now how he really is my Comforter. There are times, when he has totally taken over me, when I couldn't handle or pray for things myself- He interceded for me. As deep as that sounds (and may be weird to some), it is so very true. As humans, we talk about how strong others are...many have said that about me. I've said that many times, however, I don't believe that any more. True strength comes from the Lord and the Lord only. Apart from Him, we are just plain weak. We become strong when we allow Him to take the reigns. That means we're honest about our fears and come to the realization that we have no power to control anything. We give up that fight to do things on our own. Then, He gives us exactly what we truly need...strength, comfort, and peace. We've all read the verses, but I guess I never thought about it long enough to realize their ultimate truth.


(Isaiah 41:10) 10 Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

(Philippians 4:13) 13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

(Ephesians 6:10) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

(Isaiah 40:29) 29 He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.

(Psalms 138:3) 3 In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

(Psalms 27:1) 1 Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

(Psalms 18:32-33) 32 the God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect? 33 He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and sets me on my high places.

(Isaiah 40:31 DRC) 31 But they that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall take wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

(Matthew 11:28-30) 28 “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”"

(II Corinthians 12:9-10) 9 He has said to me, "“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”" Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.