Commit, then Trust

“Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust Him, and He will help you.” ~Psalm 37:5 The Lord knew us before we were formed in the womb, and has a purpose and plan for each of us. But when tragedy strikes an infant, we are sometimes left to wonder why and how it serves the Lord's purpose for us and for their lives? Sometimes, we don't have the answer, and other times we see the Lord's plan unfold in time. Our youngest son became ill. He was almost 2 years old and was very pale and tired. We took him to the pediatrician who alarmingly said, “Take him to Hershey Children's Hospital immediately!” He had contracted a rare syndrome that caused his bone marrow to stop producing red blood cells and only had 1/4th the amount needed in his system. After checking our blood types, I would be the donor. But the doctor's wanted to see if his system would start producing by itself because a transfusion might hinder his system from “ever” working on its own again. They started a high protein IV. After a few days in the Hospital, with many tests run, it was just one day until his Second birthday and still his bone marrow did not produce new blood. We were told we could bring him home for his birthday but had to have his blood numbers checked by our pediatrician daily. If nothing changed within 4 days, we'd have to bring him back to start transfusions. His birthday was very emotional day, filled with love, whispers and many silent tears, not knowing if he would live or not. My wife and I asked the Lord to heal him, but also prayed if He chose to take him, we would accept His will. Our living room contained a truck load of birthday gifts, with all of our family members were present. Our pastor (at that time) came early that day. He held Anthony in his arms, carried him out onto the front porch and began praying over him. He handed Anthony back to my wife and had prayer with us before leaving. We were reminded again, to commit everything to the Lord. Anthony's blood test the following day showed the count up slightly. During the next several weeks, it steadily kept increasing. Soon the count was normal again. We were told that his syndrome could return again, but it never did! Today, Anthony is in his Thirty's, He preaches at several churches when a guest speaker is needed. He is an accomplished writer, singer, pianist, drummer and also plays the Hammered Dulcimer in our family gospel band. He's worked in missions both overseas and throughout United States. He plays and sings for his Church's Worship Team and is also a member of a traveling gospel group. From the time of his illness at 2 years old until now, the Lord has filled him with an overwhelming abundance of energy, witness of His mighty goodness, and he shines a beacon of light wherever he goes. I am often reminded of reminded of Jeremiah 20:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” We gave him back to the Lord, and the Lord gave him a future to serve Him in many areas! Only He can make something beautiful out of our lives! We must remember to trust and commit everything to the Lord in every situation, then praise Him for His Goodness and all He can accomplish! Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised! ~Danny