Day 24 - July 9 - Struggling through the Slough of Despond
Slough: A swamp, or a situation characterized by the lack of progress or activity
Despond: Become dejected and lose confidence
John Bunyan, in "The Pilgrim's Progress", relates the despair of young Christian, left to struggle in the Slough of Despond, where he was abandoned by his fellow traveler, Pliable.
"Here, therefore, they wallowed for a time, being grievously bedaubed with the dirt; and Christian, because of the burden that was on his back, began to sink in the mire."
Eric, Cherié, and Joélle are wrestling, like Christian, in their own personal swamp of despair. They have just come from a meeting with the doctors, case worker, staff, and a representative from Valley Medical who assessed Connor's situation, and while it is possible the news could have been more discouraging, I'm not certain what that might include.
It is certainly the most negative, hopeless assessment that Eric has ever communicated to me and it is having a devastating effect on the family. Eric is crushed. Connor has not yet been told, and Eric is uncertain what and how they should communicate to him. They are taking a few minutes as a family to regroup and decide what to do next.
"...still he endeavoured to struggle to that side of the slough...next to the wicket gate...which he did, but could not get out because of the burden that was upon his back."
At the very least, Connor will not be moved from CRMC in the near future. The other details we will spare you for now, until Eric and Cherié have had some time to digest and assimilate.
In the interim, lift up Eric and the family in prayer, as they seek the faith to endure what they were not expecting.
"...a man came to him whose name was Help...said he, Give me thine hand: so he gave him his hand, and he drew him out, and set him upon sound ground, and bid him go on his way."
Eric, Cherié, and Joélle are suffering in despair. Lift them up in prayer, and be confident in a gracious God who rescues us from despair, and sets us upon sound ground, and bids us go on our way.
Brad
Michigan
posted by Brad Williamson @ 4:03 PM
14 Comments
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14 Comments:
Cherie', Eric & Joelle...
I don't know what to say - it's all been said, and so much seems from the mighty lips of God Himself. I can add nothing more than my heart aches for you - and I cry, plead and beg on Connor's behalf and for the three of you as well.
God - reign down strength, reign down your mighty presence...
ttfn ~ maureen
for the Hinds ~ Jackson family
Eric, Cherie and Joelle,
God knows your hurt and He is with you even at this hour. These are dark days but you are surrounded by mighty prayer warriors who love you and are lifting Conner up, and each of you in prayer.
Stand Firm - Keep the Faith!
God has a plan my dear friends. Trust in Him. He loves you all and Connor. As do we all. I know it's hard to wait, and I can only imagine your pain.
But, I know, and I believe in my heart of hearts that this is the will of God and the He loves you all.
Dear God,
PLEASE touch the Williamson family. They need you like never before. Intercede for them precious Jesus and take their requests before the Father. Comfort their hearts and minds with a touch from heaven - like only you can do. Be their foundation, their sustenance and their guide. Wrap your loving arms around them as they are hurting. Let your presence be known in a real way to Connor, Eric, Cherie and Joelle. Help them in this time of need.
"14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,[c] 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
We love you Father and ask these things in your matchless Name.
Kathy Silva
Morgan Hill
My heart is breaking for you. I don't have words to describe how I feel, so I am sure that I can't even begin to imagine how you all feel. Praying without ceasing.
Trina
Spokane
(friend of the Pattersons)
We are sharing in the heartache and prayers with your family and friends. May you find that peace beyond comprehension that only God can give.
Wade & Kristie
Amen, Kathy. Amen.
Eric, Cherie, Joelle...I'm praying for you right now.
Jenann
Lifting you all up in prayer.Just wish there was more I could do.
Jeanie
Oregon
I wish I had words to give to you to encourage you but I just don't. I was hoping that after reading this blog that God would press upon my heart His words of love, peace, mercy, and grace but.... Just know that my heart aches for you all and I know that you are well aware that this is not a step back but a waiting period your in. Be still. It would be wonderful if we had a pipeline to God and we were able to ask Him questions, but then where would faith come in? Anyway, know that prayers are being said at all times of the day and night and we will not stop. Rest in Him and Lord, please let the Williamson's know that your hands are free for them to fall into.
Love to you all,
Ginny
I wanted to add to my comment above...the verses I quoted in my prayer were from Eph. 3:14-21.
Also, I wanted to springboard off of an earlier comment today from Kim K. who wrote about Ps. 3:3. I was just reminded of a beautiful song that I grew up hearing:
Thou O Lord, art a shield about me
You're my glory, your the lifter of my head
(repeat)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You're the lifter of my head.
May He be the lifter of your heads.
Love to your family, Kathy
Hi Williamson family,
My heart is saddened by this current road block. Connor's battle continues, but the silver lining is, God and all his sovereignty is at the front lines!
In the name of Jesus I bind Satan fron gaining any stronghold in your fears or frustration! Let's all kick him out the door! In the name of Jesus we need to all cast our cares upon him, moment by moment!
Whether the news is good or not so good! His plan is to stretch us all to rely and trust him more! Part of 1 John 4:4 says, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
Ephesians 6:10-11 says, Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
It goes on in Ch. 13 and following describing the pieces of armor. To name a few: truth, righteousness,gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I don't know if your family has done this as an exercise each day, but the Lord put it on my heart for me personally, so I share it with you. Connor is at battle! The Bible says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities... Ephesians 6:12.
I pray for God the Great Physician to repair Connor's heart and take away this infection quickly, if it would be in His will to do so! Any improvement, we all will give God the glory for sure!
With great encouragement,
Krista
Lewis
Eric, Cherie and Joelle,
You've continually placed Connor in God's sovereign hands. But it may be that God is now asking you to take the greatest and most difficult step of faith yet: to step back and release Connor without reservation for God to glorify Himself as He deems best. A close friend in the midst of her tremendous pain and struggle for life once told me, "Always remember that God is good and His plans are perfect."
Remember that God is trustworthy and please know that it is not a lack of faith on your part to give God free reign to work His glory in Connor's life. The measure of faith you have is a gift from God's merciful, loving hands and it is enough. You have pled for Connor before God's throne of grace. He has heard your prayers and those of thousands of His children on Connor's behalf. He will not abandon Connor or you.
Wow! What a dissappointment. I am praying that you are able to feel the hand of God on your family as you begin to work through this next hurdle.My hope rests in the fact that God is well aware of Connor's needs.I pray for your feelings of discouragement and dispair. We haven't forgotten you!
Megan
Morgan Hill
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. ~John 14:1
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~John 14:27
I am so sorry that you did not get the news you were hoping for today. I know how difficult it can be to feel that you are stuck, things aren't as good as you'd hoped, or that you've taken a few steps forward only to be pushed back a mile. It feels like a crushing blow and makes you want to despair...but hold fast. Cling to what you know is true - God is good, and He will not leave you or forsake you. His plan and His timing are perfect, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.
Praying for you all. May God surround you with His grace and peace.
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