Patient in Affliction

I can still remember my first time dialing 9-1-1 for a medical emergency. My 2-year-old daughter was going into anaphylactic shock. My wife and I quickly understood that the situation required immediate professional intervention. Brooklyn’s small body was covered with hives. Her lips were swollen, and she was doing something weird with her throat and mouth. As the sirens drew closer, I remember rushing into the street to wave down the paramedics who might miss our hole-in-the-wall house location.  

In full panic mode as young parents, the experienced EMTs quickly and calmly assessed the situation. They administered a dose of epinephrine to rapidly reduce our daughter’s allergic reaction. An ambulance ride later and after several hours of observation, our panic eventually retreated into a more sedated state of concern. We were grateful for God’s provision as He began to teach these young parents so many valuable lessons. 

During the month of December at CCS, we are focusing on “patience” as part of our year-long Fruit of the Spirit theme. The more literal translation of the Greek word “makrothumia” is longsuffering. Embracing and demonstrating patience often comes at a beneficial cost…suffering, sometimes for brief periods of time, sometimes for an extended duration.

My daughter was eventually diagnosed with a vast assortment of potentially dangerous food allergies. This reality imposed a lifestyle change for our family. No eating out. Limited processed foods. Reading every ingredient thoroughly. Basically a forced regimen for healthy nutrition! 

Initially, we felt like we were suffering. Who doesn’t love fast food! But as God continued to develop maturity in each of us, we began to trust what God was up to in our lives. He was teaching us patience. Sometimes patience for a moment. Sometimes patience with no end in sight. Along with patience, the circumstances gave us an opportunity to grow our trust in God. We were each challenged to become less selfish. To become more compassionate toward others. To try to be grateful in all circumstances. 

My daughter has grown into a strong healthy adult my wife and I are very proud of. The challenges of her food allergies now seem fairly insignificant in comparison to other challenges we and others have faced. But of great significance is how God chooses to work through all challenges for His good, especially when we let Him. At the heart of patience is an authentic trust that God is in control and that He is eager to use all things for His good purpose. Oftentimes, God allows circumstances that require practicing patience to bring about His good plans, often with unseen benefits!
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