Cornerstone

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright."

Psalm 20:7-8

Disaster literally shook our town here in Southern Indiana this past Sunday morning. Chris and I happened to be awake feeding Ellie around 5am when we heard and felt an explosion and then sirens moments later. We could tell that it was large and not a good thing - planned explosions probably aren't scheduled for early on Sunday mornings. I found myself sick to my stomach not yet knowing what had happened, where it was, and if we were in any kind of danger. Friends in town were texting me and we started to piece together information.

A house a few miles away had exploded due to an increased quantity of natural gas. Pictures of the scene show that the home was completely decimated, propelling debris hundreds of feet and taking at least one precious life and seriously injuring others. If you are an intercessor, please join us in praying for the families affected by this tragedy.

Some of our closest friends here in Indiana live just a couple of streets away, so I was relieved to hear from them that they were fine other than some items shaken from their walls. I am so proud of their response to the traumatic experience of their neighbors down the street; you can see pictures and videos of our friend praying with people the next day. Additionally, a local church has given refuge to the dozen families who have been displaced in the aftermath of the explosion. Our friends were right to say it is a ripe time for the gospel because nobody expects a house to be completely destroyed in the blink of an eye. Moments like these bring eternity to the doorstep along with the surreal chaos and charred debris of such a nightmarish accident.

Some of my first thoughts in the wake of the explosion were that I can't protect Eliora from every danger or hardship. I can make wise choices as a parent, err on the side of caution, and still we are never guaranteed our safety or even our lives. It is tempting to trust in "chariots or horses," for example, pediatrician-endorsed baby gear, safe and reliable cars, or world-class medical care.

Will I trust in these brick walls of my apartment for protection? No, I will trust in my true Protector. His name is Jehovah Sabaoth.

The hard truth is that I trust He is the Protector of my baby, but death will still find her someday. I don't mean to be depressing, but the house explosion caused me to realize that anything could happen at any moment, and my theology has to allow for trust in a God whose love is stronger than death. His protection does not mean everlasting life in this mortal body, but He is trustworthy with Ellie's soul in a way Chris and I will never be. Because she is a baby, she cannot comprehend the gospel and be saved through faith, so if something were to happen to her tomorrow, I must trust in His sovereignty and mercy as there is nothing else which can save.

We are not exempt from these extreme examples of our sinful world's brokenness, but since that is not our current situation, our more "everyday" trials can teach us the same lesson. For instance, today my car battery died twice as I tried to make it to an appointment to obtain a waiver for Ellie's Medicaid. To make a long and complicated story (which I don't even fully understand) short, at this appointment I was told that all of the many medical bills reaching back to her birth, which we were originally told would be paid retroactively by the state due to her disability, will not actually be covered. I will admit that just thinking about the stack of bills I was told not to pay and the stack of bills I paid and thought would be reimbursed overwhelms me and tests my trust in God's best for us.

Will I trust in insurance, a waiver, or financial stability to provide for my daughter's many needs? No, I will trust in Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider.

In any case, this is not the final word regarding Medicaid and we will jump through the appeals process hoops as necessary, but I had to check myself when my heart was so discouraged and overwhelmed by this meeting. I am reminded of Jesus' words in the midst of the storm at sea. The disciples were overwhelmed by the waves threatening their boat, but Christ said in Matthew 8:26,

"Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

O you of little faith, what is your Cornerstone and your peace? Systems and benefits and doctors and reliable cars? No, Christ is your Cornerstone. Jehovah Shalom is the Lord your Peace. Those who trust in Him will not be shaken, and they will find their hope and strength renewed. God is faithful to these promises always; he never forsakes his beloved, and I know this to be true firsthand. These are the truths I preach to myself tonight.

Chris and I are amazed and humbled by the multitudes of people who have committed to praying for us. I thought I would tack a short prayer needs section to the end of each post so that those prayers can be informed and strategic! We thank you for your prayers and encouragement and pray that you are blessed in turn as we point in our weakness to the perfect power and love of God.

Our more immediate/practical prayer needs:

• Navigating the web of confusion involving the Medicaid application process, employer insurance coverage, and medical bills for Ellie.

• Complete healing for my wrist; I am currently wearing a brace in hopes that stabilizing it will help.

• Peace for Ellie during upcoming long travels... she tends to lose her mind when we put her in the car seat, and I will also be flying with her next month for the first time.

• Peace and strength for Chris and I as we battle some weariness on multiple fronts.

Sweet Ellie gave us her first giggle this past weekend. It hasn't happened since, but oh my are we in love with this little cutie!

Look at that milk beard!