Aug
08
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on August-8-2007


Patience and Trust…this is not how I wanted God to teach me either of them! BUT…He knows exactly what it takes to move us in the direction we need to go. Our Lord does know best. It’s funny that we think we know better sometimes, but He ALWAYS knows better.

I’ve often thought of life as a large labyrinth. We are deep in the middle of it, walking through, free to choose the direction we desire to go. Our Heavenly Father has a birds eye view of our life’s labyrinth. He sees the beginning and the end. He wants us to take the best way through the labyrinth (notice I didn’t say the easiest). His path is going to draw us closer to Him and will have the greatest impact for His Kingdom.

We have a free will to choose the path that He lays before us, or go down a path that we think is better. For myself, if I’m honest, I’m keen to take the path that is most comfortable. This is the desire of my flesh. God’s path is not the most comfortable, if anything it can be most uncomfortable!

But what He teaches us in our physical and emotional discomfort is how to rest in His spiritual comfort. To be able to praise God through all circumstances is a wonderful lesson to be learned. His scripture says it best:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

My flesh is so weak, but the Holy Spirit who lives in me gives me a strength and peace that surpasses all human understanding.

Praise God for my baby girl and the blessings that are pouring out from her circumstances. My prayer is for Ella Renae’s healing and comfort, but even more so, for God to be glorified and for all the people who have been touched by her story to draw closer to Christ.

Thank you Lord for taking us down this path and for teaching us patience and trust.

We will continue to praise you through this storm.



Eli on August 8th, 2007 at 10:45 am #

I’m amazed by your faith. I think you are ministering to a lot of people through your trust in God. I know I have been touched.

Dawn on August 8th, 2007 at 11:31 am #

Hi Tina, Josh and baby Ella, I just want you all to know that Mike, Alli and I are always thinking of you guys. We love you all and we check on baby Ella’s progress everyday! Thank you so much for writing in this blog so we can go through this journey with you.
Lots of love from the Franck family!

JoAnna King and Kids on August 8th, 2007 at 11:39 am #

That passage from Philipians was were I ended up just after our Ella was stabilized in the NICU. God did not guarantee us healing for our precious daughter, but he promised us peace. Continue to walk in his peace and know that Ella is His daughter too. He has a plan and a purpose for her life as well. We love you guys and we are praying continually for you and your precious little Ella.

Brian and Angela Rowe on August 8th, 2007 at 11:46 am #

hey Baby Ella’s mommy and daddy! We just left you a note on day15 Thank you for letting us walk this life journey with you what a blessing we ALL get! Josh-the hearts cry of a father to his Father will be one of the greatest posting here. What a great father you are. Tina-the heart of a mother is one of Gods greatest treasures. You guys have wowed us all!We love you and are praying for little Miss Ella and mom and dad. What a family!!

Christe Mitchell on August 8th, 2007 at 2:09 pm #

Josh & Tina,
I just got your website from Tracy today. I wanted to let you guys know that I have been thinking of you and praying for Baby Ella. I also wanted to Thank You for your prayers for my brother Keith and Tracy and Family. It has been a hard few days, but everyone is doing ok. We know our sweet Baby Jonathan is completely healed now and with Jesus. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Christe Mitchell

Jenny Talbott on August 8th, 2007 at 2:10 pm #

Tina and Josh – please know the three of you are utterly and completely in my thoughts… I want so badly to do something to help, but feel absolutely helpless not knowing what it is I can do… all I have to offer is an ear or a shoulder and they are both yours if you ever need them… give Ella a kiss for me and tell her she is a such a beautiful little peanut and such a lucky one to have such amazing parents…

Joel Snyder on August 8th, 2007 at 3:13 pm #

Dear Ella, I hope you are having a good day. You can be proud of your Mom and Dad they Love you so much it is fantastic. I am saying my prayers for you. Love You, Grandpa

deannna on August 8th, 2007 at 3:37 pm #

im glad youre faith is leading ella to a healthy life
love ya bunches
deanna

The Williams on August 8th, 2007 at 6:28 pm #

What an awesome God we have – and in what an awesome way He’s pointing us back to Him through the West family – who can handle both our tears and our praise at the same time, and Who loves us even when peace and anxiety (I admit it, I’ve had some for all of you even with the trust) go hand in hand. He continues to be glorified in your lives every day. Thank You Jesus for the Wests and for Ella’s life and what a blessing it is to be their friends and family. Josh, Tina and Ella, may the love of God which surpasses all things be yours in Christ Jesus. We love you so much.

Char Snyder Jordan on August 8th, 2007 at 7:25 pm #

Good Evening Ella, Josh and Tina, We hope your night goes well. We love to hear of your progress. We agree with the lessons that now are so hard to take and understand. Remember as you have said, God has the entire plan, we only have a small portion. Our life here on earth is supposed to be so short in comparison to the remainder of eternity. You all are chosen daughters and Sons of our Heavenly Father. Your ability to think and give to others at this time is a testimony of your love for Him.
We love you, we pray for you we understand part of your pain. If we could only take some of it for you we gladly would. Love Aunt Char and Jim

Becky on August 8th, 2007 at 7:53 pm #

Hold strong Josh and Tina, you guys are amazing.
Sweet dreams Ella, God Bless You.

Post a comment

Name:  (required)
Email:  (required)
URL: 
Comments: