Sometimes life dishes up some pretty unexpected things.  Like an arthritic knee in a 35 year old husband.  A knee that had been well used for playing sport and doing physical work.  A knee that no longer functioned as it was originally created to. Years ago, everyone would joke and call my husband an old man.   It’s your knees again old man! they would jibe when he was unable to complete a season of sport. 

 But now – it’s serious.  And I’m not laughing anymore.

After numerous scans, my husband was informed that he would require arthroscopic surgery on his knee. There would also need to be a second operation which would require a cartilage graft.  He would be off work, on crutches and in a knee brace for at least three months.

Not the kind of news you really want to hear when my husband is self-employed, the main bread winner, income protection doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions and…..we have 4 children.

So my husband had an arthroscopy of his knee last week.  I was praying for a miracle.  As too were friends and family.

….The miracle didn’t happen.  The surgeon rang to inform me that my husband’s knee would require even more surgical intervention than originally thought.  That wasn’t supposed to happen.  That’s not what I wanted to hear.

Since then, I’ve had a bit of a cry about the situation.  And I’ve done a lot of thinking.  A lot of thinking.  How will I cope with 4 children and a husband who will be incapacitated for so long?  How will we cope financially?  How will the logistics of me working and childcare actually work?  How can I juggle everything with maintaining the day-to-day running of our home?  The months ahead weren’t looking very inviting.

Then I was reminded that my husband and I are not doing this alone: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

 I know that we have a lot to figure out, but for the part of me that is anxious – I am reminded……Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Philippians 4:6-7, The Message.)

Part of me is concerned about finances…..but we have received so many blessings lately that I believe God is reminding me that He will provide for us:  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19, NIV.)

Part of me is exhausted just thinking about the upcoming months…..but I am reminded to: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28, NIV.)

And part of me is excited about the challenges that lie ahead because this is what life is about – the ups and the downs, the good times and not-so-good times.  Although uncertain about what we are about to endure as a family, I know that God is in control. 

He uses situations for our growth and for His glory.  The growth part usually hurts,  but I just need to keep trusting in Him and believing He is in control. Because really, that’s all I can do.

 By Debbie, Aspiring Mum.

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