Egyptians in the Rearview

So, life is throwing us curveballs. (Imagine that! God never promised us an easy life, but He promised that He will be with us no matter what we face in life! As the Bible says in Joshua 1:5, "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Thank you, Lord!)

I sent an email today to my faithful family and friends who have prayed us up on Leyden's long journey with arthritis:

Leyden went to the doctor last week with severe stomach pain and was diagnosed with inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Her pediatrician prescribed Prilosec every morning for a month, and if she isn’t better in a week, we are supposed to go back to the doctor. After the first month of treatment, if Leyden is still having pain, the doctor said she’ll see Leyden again and probably prescribe Prilosec for three more months. Leyden is having trouble eating, because the pain has returned in her jaw. Now she can’t take ibuprofen or have caffeine, spicy foods or acidic foods. It’s making meal time a little more complicated, and so far Leyden hasn’t gotten much relief from the pain. Leyden is miserable.

We went to see the pediatric rheumatologist yesterday for a checkup and Leyden had an MRI of her jaw. The doctor was unconcerned about her stomach, which is unsettling to us because Leyden is in such pain, and we are afraid her RA medicine isn’t working. This morning, the doctor’s office called and said that the arthritis is active in Leyden’s left TMJ again, and for the first time, active arthritis has appeared in her right TMJ. The doctor recommended Remicade injections to both jaws. (Remicade is a biologic drug that is typically administered by infusion through an IV.) We know children who have had serious adverse effects from this particular treatment, so I am seeking a second opinion due to the risks of injecting this drug directly into a joint.

When Leyden’s orthodontist first told me two years ago that he believed that her TMJ issues were caused Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, I prayed and gave it all to God. I did the same today when the nurse called me with the doctor’s recommendations, because honestly, I can’t handle this on my own. As impossible as it seems, God loves Leyden more than I do, and I know He will direct us to the proper course of treatment. I have put my trust in God more in the last three months than I have in my entire life, and He hasn’t let me down. He has been with me every step of the way, often carrying me as the “Footprints” poem describes. I know He’s got this covered.

This verse has been a mainstay in my life lately: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV). I hold tight to that promise!

Please pray with us for guidance as we seek a second opinion and decide how to proceed with Leyden’s treatment. We appreciate you!!!

Well, remember my friend, Cathy Sue, who told me to seek peace from God? She came to the rescue again. She replied to my email and said:

There is another passage of scripture (one of my favs) that came to mind after I read your post...

It's Exodus 14:10-14 ...the Israelites have left Egypt and just reached the Red Sea (hadn't crossed yet). They looked behind them and saw that the Egyptian army was barrelling down on them. It 'appeared' as though they were trapped, BUT GOD... :)

 

^“10 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. ¹¹ They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? ¹² Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” ¹³ And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

I especially love that last line!!!

God will make a way where there seems to be no way, sister!

AMEN!!! I am just so thankful that I know Jesus! I can't imagine how someone could travel the road I'm traveling and not have Jesus to carry them. Just when I think I may buckle from the earthly pressures I face, God sends a message to remind me just how BIG He is, and just how much He loves His children! God has surrounded me by AMAZING family and friends who have supplied encouragement, prayers, scripture, food, cards, calls, and love at just the right time. Every. Single. Time!

So, I'm looking ahead at the salvation of MY LORD, and I'm NOT LOOKING BACK at those Egyptians in my rearview mirror!!!