My best friend's brother-in-law (Micah), who I've met a couple of times, was admitted to the ICU 13 days ago with pneumonia and septic shock. I dropped by his room the day after he was admitted to drop off a gift from my best friend since she was out of town. Although he looked uncomfortable, he was sitting up, breathing on his own and was able to say a few words to me.
The following day, he took a turn for the worse, was put on a ventilator and his odds of survival were put at a mere 35%.
My heart sank and the pain that I felt was so extreme you would think he was my own brother.
With three beautiful children and another daughter that could arrive any day, I spread the word to every person I knew that believed in the power of prayer.
Every time I told his story I would be on the verge of tears. I couldn't even sit through worship at church without becoming an emotional wreck as I sang my heart out to our God on behalf of Micah.
Just five days into his hospital stay I was talking with a co-worker about him and I pretty much said:
I've looked back on tragedies that have happened in
other people's families - where death has occurred and
someone has been taken from them. In just about every situation
I could see a positive - a reason that the Lord wanted to
take them home to be with Him. Whether that reason be the person
was suffering, or to bring a broken family together or to show
those around them that a family of faith can survive and thrive
in the toughest of circumstances. But this guy, I cannot possibly
see a reason that he needs to go yet. My gut feeling is he is going
to make it. His family is going to be a testimony to everyone
working in the hospital and to all the non-believers that see
a miracle truly working in his life. He still has a lot of
work to do here and I know God is not
ready to take him home yet.
And He isn't.
Because Micah is going home tonight.
His 35% chance of survival seems like so long ago. Everyone that provided care to him in the hospital, who had seen people lose their life to what he battled, is calling it a miracle. I would bet some of these people may not have even believed in miracles before they met this man.
The impact this experience has had on me is huge. I already knew our God was faithful and that prayer is powerful, but I so lack in demonstrating those in my own life. It's easy to say I believe, but the real test is if we show that through the way we handle the circumstances in life. Micah's family and friends have been a testimony to me in this area.
Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
This past weekend at church, we sang "How He Loves" by David Crowder. These lyrics spoke to me and the situation with Micah:
He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves.
T -
ReplyDeleteVery well written... It is absolutely amazing how great our God is. The miracle with Micah and his family warms my heart, and makes me realize that my daily problems and struggles are minuscule in comparison. We take so much for granted on a daily basis, and don't really stop and give thanks for the things we have, whether we are aware of them or not. This has all definitely given me a new appreciation for life. I am beyond grateful for my friends and family, and am thankful that you and I are both healthy. Most of all, I am thankful that God takes care of his children. I am so happy that Micah gets to go home, and that he will be there to watch all of his children grow up. Thank you for all of your updates during Micah's sickness, and please know that he and his family are in the continued prayers. Wishing them all the best in the coming years.