It's been nearly thirty years since our eight month old daughter, Kristina, was admitted to the hospital, comatose and near death. Spinal meningitis was the diagnosis. I remember standing beside the hospital crib stunned, my heart breaking. Her hands were tied to the sides of the crib; tubes protruded from various places on her body, and she occasionally let out a pitiful sound that resembled a cry. Sorrow overwhelmed me.
While my husband and I kept a vigil friends came to support and pray with us. Their presence and love were the hands of God. One dear friend shared a scripture that I've never forgotten. Psalm 91:1-7 says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."
God's Word sustained me. I clung to those verses and in the midst of darkness there was light. We didn't know if our daughter would live or die, but we felt God's presence and His peace. He was our refuge.
Kristi made it, and three years later she shared something with me that rocked me right down to my toes. She told me about a time when she was dying (and said it had been a long, long time ago). She explained that she was afraid, but then Jesus came to her and He held her on his lap and she wasn't afraid any more.
Even as an infant she fought to live. And when Jesus came to her she knew Him and found peace in the midst of her greatest struggle.
My family has faced many battles since that time. There are moments when I want to give up, believing that this time it's just too hard. And then I remember a tiny little girl who found strength in God's presence.
God will never let us down. He is always near. We can rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
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Wow. What a wonderful testimony, from all of you.
ReplyDeleteSheila, I love to share this story. It was many years ago, but it still gives me strength as I'm reminded that God is a God of miracles. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm grateful for my daughter. She's been a blessing to us.
Bonnie, this post brought tears to my eyes. It's a profound reminder to me to trust God in spite of what's happening around or to me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSue, how wonderful to hear from you, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when we're in the middle of a muddle it's hard to hang on. I'm there right now, and just hanging by my fingertips. So glad God is stronger than me. ;-)
Love ya,
Bonnie