How We Are "Holding it All Together"

I have people tell me they don't know how our family is handling the news of Abigail's disease so well. I have pondered on this for a while and the only answer I have, is the Lord. He is our Strength, our Provider, our Healer, our Defender, our Rock. He is Majestic; Oh, Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name! He is the Beginning and the End, He is All-Knowing.

"All-Knowing" this may be the most satisfying name of the Lord when we get overwhelmed with the unknown. He does know all, and it is perfect. He knows every minute of every day, He has a plan and a purpose for Abigail's life. We have peace in knowing that although it is a very real possibility that Abigail may never eat; and even if she does it will be very limited, but that's okay. It is okay because God has ordained it all. He knew that Abigail would have Eosinophilic Esophagitis. He knew that Ross and I would be the best parents for her. He knew that Mary Grace and Hannah would be the most wonderful, protective big sisters to her. He knew that Cincinnati would be an option for us, and He knows the answers to the unknown.

There is comfort in knowing that there is a purpose for Abigail having this disease. If that purpose is to bring God the glory alone, what other purpose do we need? Jesus said this in Bethany when he was talking to Mary and Martha about Lazarus before he raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." John 4:11 The Lord blessed me with the verse right after Abigail's diagnosis. What a wonderful thing for Him to show me! Abigail's sickness will bring glory to God! He and He alone is why we are able to "keep it together," without Him we would all be utter messes.