Yesterday, Kendall and I went to her 6 month check up for her scoliosis.  The last appointment back in June, her curve was at 42 degrees and the specialist said she was past the point of the usefulness of a brace.  On the way to this check up, Kendall was sharing with me her frustration of why it was too late, especially as we have been seeing him since her scoliosis was only an 18 degree curvature.

“Why didn’t the specialist put a brace on me before and now it is too late?”

This is the same girl who was not too happy about the idea of wearing a brace 24/7 and was thrilled each time he said to wait.

I told Kendall, “Honestly, I felt the same way back in June and I complained to God about it.  In fact, I was mad.  I asked God, ‘Why can’t we just get a break sometimes?’ and I was reminded that if I believe God is sovereign then these are the times I need to trust all the more.”

I asked Kendall, “Did we take the pediatrician’s recommendation to see a specialist?”

“Yes.”

“Is this specialist one of the best for adolescent scoliosis?”

“Yes.”

“Kendall, did you do the back exercises exactly as he told you to do?”

“Yes.”

“Then we need to trust and know God is in control.  Could have God had this doctor recommend the brace back when it was 27 degrees or 35 degrees if it would have made it better?  Sure.  Could God have stopped the progression of the scoliosis that it remained at 18 degrees?  Absolutely, but since He didn’t we need to walk in faith and trust that He knows best.”

Kendall nodded her head as I continued, “Kendall, it is like with Sarah.  Have we done all the research on best treatments for autism?  Yes.  Have we tried and are trying all we can to help her?  Yes.  Could God use this so Sarah would be greatly improved like some other kids we know doing the same therapies?  Yes, but it hasn’t always been this way.  I need to faithfully obey and work hard with what He has entrusted to me and leave the results to Him.”

We went to the appointment and basically she is where she was at 6 months ago, so it is good that it has not worsened.  He is now recommending we see a Physical Therapist for core strengthening exercises and to see him again in 6 months, which we will do.

This morning, I came across Jeremiah 31:35 and 32:27, “He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar-the LORD Almighty is His name.” “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind.  Is anything too hard for Me?”

While it is Christmastime, maybe you are going through a tough time, too.  Maybe you are faithfully obeying and working hard in what He has entrusted to you, but you are feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.  If this is you, please join me as I try to daily trust in the One who knows and is in control.  There is nothing too hard for Him and the LORD Almighty is His name!

Thank you for your faithful prayers!