Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me.
He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Isaiah 40
97 comments:
i pray this runs through your mind each minute of every day.
Perfect words from the Lord as you wait on Him to bring Tricia the perfect lungs she needs. Praying for all of you as we all wait and trust Him.
Love, Laurie in Ca.
So true.
Love this verse, exactly what the Lord put on my own heart yesterday.
Rejoicing in advance...
Amen!
Prayin' for your family!!!
~Kk
Beautiful, Nate! I don't know what to say except that I will keep praying for you all! I'm sorry this time wasn't IT but I am counting on and leaning on our Lord with you! You and Tricia are such shining, amazing examples of faith and that will be rewarded (even if we don't know when or how).
God is faithful!
Amen!
Just prayin' my little heart out for you today...that you will very soon be renewed and soaring!
amen!
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
One of my favourite worship songs is Strength will rise by Brenton Brown & Ken Riley.
I think it is based on these verses.
The chorus is
"You are the everlasting God,
The everlasting God.
You do not faint, You won't grow weary.
You're the defender of the weak,
You comfort those in need.
You lift us up on wings like eagles."
I love the image of God defending the weak. Especialy if I have dragged my less than perfect self to church in a broken state.
If I may I will use these words to pray for you guys.
Hannah x
Very approiate, still prayng for the perfect set of lungs.
Amen!
This song from Hillsong was constantly running through my mind as I read the posts from yesterday and the early hours of today:
I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I'll say of the Lord
You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need
Blessing His name in all things, and continuing in prayer for all who will be a part of Tricia's transplant when it is time...
laurie r
A thunderstorm woke me last night and I was praying for you, not even knowing the circumstances. God is moving among His people in ways we do not understand.
"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength". May we all be ones who WAIT upon God. Thank you for inspiring me to wait. Even though all of our circumstances are so different, for some reason He has brought us all together to learn from and lift up each other.
Still praying!
Amen, and AMEN!
Sorry I am late commenting, the internet was out when I checked at 6am like I said I would. Keep the faith, I will continue to pray that Tricia's new lungs come soon.
my favorite verse, and i pray that it sinks deep in with you today.
words for all of us to live by!
What a great reminder to all of us who are running this race through life, through our own struggles. We are praying for your hearts to know amazing peace today and we will continue that the perfect set of lungs will make their way to your sweet wife in the very near future.
wonder and precious reminders from the Word, thanks Nate!
I think often of the song "Your Grace is Enough"...
Amen.
Still Praying!
I've been reading along and praying along with you and have been so inspired by your story.
I just came across a poem again that I wanted to share with your family, as it has touched my life so deeply.
He Giveth More
by Annie Johnson Flint
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction he addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials, his multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, his grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
I know that the Lord, through his infinite riches in Jesus will continue to give and give to your family and to all of the families (donor family?) that may become involved in this. May you feel his peace.
God is good & He promises not to abandon or forsake us. It is is so hard - we weren't there when He knit Tricia in her mother's womb - we have no idea of the great plans that He has for her. I pray they are revealed in her healing...
We must never forget to count our blessings even during times of disappointment. Bless the vent that is still working to help Tricia breathe, and bless the expertise of the doctors at Duke for continuing to keep her and Gwyneth healthy. Tricia's transplant will come when it's the right time. Praying for all of you, including the donor family who suffered a great loss last night. xo
Amen. I'm so sorry the call last night was a dry run, but praise the Lord that He has your best interests in mind and that He will provide for all of your needs in His perfect timing. :) I'm continuing to pray for you all.
"Wait" by Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate
. . . And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine
. . . and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
His timing is perfect...so thankful that you both are resting in our Lord's love and grace.
Thy Kingdom come, THY will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Thanks for keeping a positive attitude and strong faith through it all. You all are a true inspiration to the rest of us.
God bless you each day.
Mary
Florida
Again, I am humbled and amazed at how God is using your life to reach so many people throughout the world. Yet another lesson you and Tricia have allowed God to share with all of us.
Prayers of thanksgiving for the transplant team's wisdom. Prayers for the donor family who have lost a loved one. Continued prayers for the three of you. Thank you for continuing to share part of your lives with all of us, for the greater glory of God.
Colleen in Vancouver, BC
Your story continues to be such an encouragement to me and to my family. Thank you for your faithful words even on this difficult, wonderful journey.
"But Zion said,'The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.'
“'Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.'"
Isaiah 49:14-16
What a beautiful, uplifting verse. Keeping you all in my prayers!
hopefully your first and last dry run. praying for the donor's family and yours as well as you recover from the disappointment. great scripture, may His words give you strength.
beautiful and fitting!
Marissa
thanks for that, Nathan. Lauren (one of my friends from school) spent some time praying for you guys last night. I love all three of you!
susanna benson
Those words are perfect. Well chosen, Nate.
I just had to tell you that I had your blog pulled up when my 1st graders arrived this morning. One of my little girls saw Tricia's picture at the top of the page. She asked, "Who is that? Is she famous?" I said, "Well, sort of," and explained your story to her as best I could to a 1st grader. She then said, "Tricia's beautiful and I hope she gets better."
Sometimes children say things in the best ways...
i mean we both did... not just her... her and i... we love you!
This is a favorite passage of mine, along with the song "Eagle's Wings" which is based on the passage. I continue to pray for you all.
amen and amen.
You are loved and prayed for..but you and Tricia are such a blessing also. You bless the world with every blog, by your faith, by your humor, by your love for each other. Still praying for you and also praying for the family that lost a loved one.
AMEN! This was perfect timing for me to read that scripture today. Nothing like your circumstances but I'm clinging to the cliff I stepped off and glory did I need to hear those words of truth. God's grace is sufficient---can't even imagine your life without His grace. Praying as He leads. It is well with your souls!
im sorry that Tricia did not get the lungs.
its amazing to see faith after the let down.
God Bless!!
Amen...
And the people said, "AMEN"
One of my favorite passages of scripture. You guys are in my prayers always. Another great one is 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Nice you posted that - I stumbled trying to find the right words in response to the the early morning post - no need - you guys show that your faith is tapped into this.
This was our scripture from yesterday's service. Our pastor asked us to shout out the different parts of the verse that caught our attention. I liked the part about how we are shielded by God's power. It made me think of a super hero. I pray today that you too are all shielded by God's power.
1Peter 1:3-9
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
What a testament you and Tricia are to your faith. God bless you both...
Perfect words.
*But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.* Very true words..
been there in a different way. God is moving in ways we don't even know about. Hold Fast.
It's ok, this happens. When I prayed for a baby I was disappointed a time or two. Then in his time, God handed me the most beautiful son a mother could ask for. I adopted him and he's the most wonderful gift. His timing is mysterious and perfect.
P.S. I haven't forgotten about Ralphie's food!
It's ok, this happens. When I prayed for a baby I was disappointed a time or two. Then in his time, God handed me the most beautiful son a mother could ask for. I adopted him and he's the most wonderful gift. His timing is mysterious and perfect.
P.S. I haven't forgotten about Ralphie's food!
Lifting you up before our awesome Father! I sent out your blog information to several people to have them lift all of you up to God. So, prayers are going up from AZ, CA and beyond!
My husband, Scott, used to be in your father's youth group back in "the" day at TBT in OK. He recently came across your dad's blog hence how we found about your plight right now.
May God's comfort, peace, and strength pour out on all of you.
Thank you to you and Tricia for living this verse.
Your positive attitude and obvious love and belief in our God is evident in how you live your lives. Thank you for being a vessel for God and all the encouragement this blog brings to those of us who keep up with your journey.
Praying!
That is my favorite verse. It speaks volumes in many situations. God is so good.
Christy in KY
Amen...All in His time...
Blessings,
Karen
Amen. Continuing to pray.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!!!!!
Excellent reminder, Nathan. We're all still praying for God's perfect timing in Tricia's TX. Also praying for the donor family. God is good, all of the time.
In Him,
~Leah in Alaska~
Nate and Tricia,
This is my first time commenting, but I have been reading for a couple of weeks now (and have gone back and read a lot from the past). Your story is one that speaks volumes for our Lord -- the peace that fills you that surpasses understanding, the faith and perseverance that only He can provide through suffering, the love that you show to each other. You are an example to us all by the power of His Spirit, and your story gives me the courage to face any trials that are ahead in my life. Thank you for allowing all of us to see into your lives and to participate through prayer.
Tricia, may you get the right set of lungs soon!
Nate and Tricia,
This is my first time commenting, but I have been reading for a couple of weeks now (and have gone back and read a lot from the past). Your story is one that speaks volumes for our Lord -- the peace that fills you that surpasses understanding, the faith and perseverance that only He can provide through suffering, the love that you show to each other. You are an example to us all by the power of His Spirit, and your story gives me the courage to face any trials that are ahead in my life. Thank you for allowing all of us to see into your lives and to participate through prayer.
Tricia, may you get the right set of lungs soon!
Nate and Tricia,
This is my first time commenting, but I have been reading for a couple of weeks now (and have gone back and read a lot from the past). Your story is one that speaks volumes for our Lord -- the peace that fills you that surpasses understanding, the faith and perseverance that only He can provide through suffering, the love that you show to each other. You are an example to us all by the power of His Spirit, and your story gives me the courage to face any trials that are ahead in my life. Thank you for allowing all of us to see into your lives and to participate through prayer.
Tricia, may you get the right set of lungs soon!
Keep your Hopes high and Stay strong and positive!!! The perfect pair will come soon!
Still Praying!!!
Not a better place to go than scripture at a time like this, no one says it better than our Lord. Don't lose hope my precious brother and sister! My blog theme verse is Jeremiah 29:11- "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 hope and a future." When the right lungs come, they will also come from just the right person and family and I have a feeling you will have an opportunity to minister to the family as God orchestrates the whole series of events. We'll be praying hard for those right lungs to come soon!
Love, Sarah and Travis
praying for you all today!
praying for you all today!
amen...
i am sorry you guys are going through such emotional roller coasters right now.
praying for your peace! :)
A truer word has never been spoken. Still praying, blessings from Florida.
Amen!
Still Praying :)
Michelle
S. Africa
We are praying for you all. More perfect words have never been written.
I stumbled on your blog a few months ago. Last night was the first time I had ever commented. I find myself checking this blog daily. You have know idea how much it sometimes brighten's up my day.
i am a devout Christian and Trust in the Lord through everything in my life. My faith has gotten stronger through you and your wife. You have so much Faith in God. You and Tricia are two great examples of God's strength.
God Bless you, Tricia and your little girl.
Always in my prayers
~Stefanie
I'm praying for Trisha's perfect new lungs. God's timing is PERFECT timing.
When I read your post last night it was a bit surreal - I had a loved one who waited for a heart and I remember the excitement/anxiousness combo well. I'm glad the transplant team is particular. Not any old set will do!
Praying in Ohio,
Cindy
i can tell you already know this in your hearts; i pray that soon this will become a true physical reality for tricia!!
I have been reading your blog and praying for you faithfully for a long time, and I was one of the first time commenters last night. I cannot begin to fathom why these were not the perfect set of lungs for Tricia, but they weren't. It is SO good to know that God really does have a plan that is perfect, and the He is working it out even though I cannot see. Thank you for sharing this passage, I am going to print it out and put it in my prayer journal and pray through it for you guys again and again.
Hang in there! The Lord loves you so much, and so do all of us out here who have never met you in person but feel bonded to you deeply in Christian brother/sisterhood.
Bring those perfect lungs at the perfect time, Lord!
Blessings,
Jen
Nate,
I am a first time poster, but have been reading your blog for about 2 months now. Every day I read, I see God working in your lives and through you, it is truly encouraging.
This post on Isaiah 40 was one of the most touching. The fact that you posted that scripture, at such a time as this, is a testament to your faith in our Almighty God! It was such an encouragement to me today, thank you!
May God continue to give you, Tricia, and Gwyneth the strength you need, as you face these difficult days.
Keep on keeping on, God does answer prayers! :)
Sorry this was so long.. have been wanting to post for some time.
Prayers,
JennNY
Could you please tell us what Bible translation this is? Thanks!
Love and prayers.
I hope all of you are getting some much needed rest today.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”
Psalm 147:3
Shari, NC
Amen. Praying for sustaining and uplifting grace in a special way for you all today.
In Christ,
Dionne
Perfect words from a perfect God!! This will happen, and all will be good!1
Hang in there guys!
You guys are amazing! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Tricia, and Gwyneth. God is good and I know he has the perfect plan for your family. Hang in there and HAVE FAITH! God will take care of you all.
What a wonderful verse. Thanks so much for posting this.
You all continue in our prayers.
Love,
Amy in Oregon
AMEN!!! Praying for a perfect match and the donor's family, jen in al
God is Good! Praying for your family.
What an incredible blog. My niece had a link to your site, and I just sat the past hour reading it through tears. Will add you to my prayer list. You are an amazing couple and God is using you to show His grace, peace and strength in the midst of tremendous trials and tests. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, and we can count on that!! Thank the Lord for His Word. I believe He has the perfectly matched lungs out there, and will bring them to you at just the right time. I anticipate reading about it SOON!!! Love and prayers, Faithe in PA
Amen
sherry
johnson city tn
I just heard about your blog today from a mom of a trached little boy. My now 4 y/o daughter lived with a trach for 18 months mostly due to anatomical/airway issues. She spent 6 months in the NICU and Level 2 nurseries before she came home. It was a scary time, but one I remember so well. During one of our "down" times where things weren't going as well, another friend of mine with a trached child commented how she'd "learned to be content in all circumstances." God calls us to do that, to lean on Him, trust in Him. His will is always supreme, even if we don't understand His reasons at the time. Anyway, her words have stuck with me. I remember them when times get tough, and I aspire to be content in all situations. It's not easy because I kind of like to "run my own show," but I'm working really hard on letting God run it for me.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and those of the donor family. It's not easy to stay strong, but I truly believe God has very special plans for your family.
Blessings,
Robin
wow...the most powerful line: God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
that is just breath taking poetry.
I can't begin to understand what a rolllercoaster of emotions you have been on in the last 24 hrs. BUT - you summed it up so well....looking to the Lord and His strength ALONE is the only way you will feel like you are soaring on those wings like an eagle!
Still praying for you all every day.
xxx
AMEN!
God never changes.......ever.
i just read through the past few posts. i am sorry. hang in there :)
a friend just sent me this song. you may know if it, but i had to pass it along... thought it would really encourage you both as you trust and worship Him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsnC6gPG3YU
praying with and for you, trusting and hoping in the One Who Nothing Is Impossible For.
Sarah Sylvester
*Gabriel's next door neighbor growing up in Delaware:)
Amen! Hang in there.
Thank you for sharing this scripture. Currently out of town, so this is my first time checking the blog since early Sunday. Believe it or not, I needed to be reminded of this today for my own personal reasons. Thank you. Praying for the donor family and that the donor's organs were able to give the gift of life to someone. Also praying Tricia's perfect match arrives swiftly on angel's wings. Love to you three!
I hope you receive another call soon. P.S. I love the punk rock baby look.
The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait upon Him. Lamentations 3:24
God reminds me of this verse when I'm waiting on Him to move. My prayer is that you and Tricia can rest in the knowledge that He is your portion as you wait on new lungs. God Bless~
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