It is well with our souls
This morning Hamish and I had the rare opportunity to attend church together.  Carol offered to sit with Aria while we went, sacrificing her own church attendance, Thank You Carol (and Cordell).  We haven’t been to church together since January !
Truthfully I don’t even know where to start except I was stunned at God’s planning and provision. Â The whole service and message was like it was perfectly planned for Hamish and I and what we needed to be encouraged by. Â We sang These Are the Days of Elijah , pretty much tied for fave worship song ever with Mighty to Save.
The sermon was on who is in charge of our lives and who is God in the midst of even the worst circumstances.
A guy from the congregation shared a brief testimony about Romans 8:28
And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
His point- was in the midst of deep trial what did the word ALL mean- did it really mean ALL or just some or a little bit. Â No it meant ALL things. Â To him and his wife it was the cancer diagnosis and death of their 4 year old little boy. Â A boy whose birth lead his father to seek the God that gave him this wonderful gift of a child and whose death lead his mother to salvation also.
It was powerful to us as we also have a (nearly) four year old whose life is unsure and uncertain at this point.  Today she cultured Pseudomonas in her blood.  We know there are two strains living in her body (lungs) one is sensitive to 7 ABX and one is sensitive to one, our last card.  We have to wait and see which strain is in her blood.  She is still listed though.
I fully believe Aria will live and obviously we are fighting for her because we believe this. Â God may have other plans and we put Him in charge of all things.
For me I have been holding on to something tightly and today it has become clear that this may not happen. Â Today is Sunday and a new surgeon starts tomorrow. Â I had my heart set on Dr Botha doing Aria’s 2nd transplant and instead of letting it go and leaving it to God I held on to it and let it burden my heart. Â It is hard work to fully hand everything over to God because I want to keep something to myself and tell God I am right and I know best. Â Today in church I felt God really speak to me and say Trust Me, Trust Me. Â I have never really heard His voice like that before.
Finally the last song of the service was It is Well With My Soul- with this very video on the screens at church. Â Watch it- the writer of this song knew a huge amount about pain and suffering. Both Hamish and I were overcome with tears and the fact we are ready for whatever God has decided for Aria. Â It is well with our souls.
Argh – there is so much more to say- Hamish- maybe you want to add more to this?
Hello, Hamish here….
Just wanted to add one of the things that I have been battling with is the desire to be prepared for any eventuality in Aria’s journey. The other night I was awake a lot with the strong desire to pray. To pray about this psuedomonis bug that is dogging Aria and for the grace to be able to witness to God’s goodness and glory no matter what the outcome is with this bug and the larger journey.
I was really helped with this today as we heard a story about a family who due to horrific circumstances escaped a burning car, only to have to stand and watch 6 of their children die in that same car. As they watched this horrible, terrible situation the husband was able to say to his wife, “this is the moment we have been prepared for” or “this is the moment we have prepared for”. I found this to be a tremendous testimony, we are being prepared and have been prepared over the last four years (our whole lives even) for these events that are unfolding now. I have confidence that no matter what happens with Aria, a glorious restoration or a trip for her into glory that God will have prepared us to testify to his love, faithfulness and sovereignty in Aria’s life.
One last thing that touched me this morning was meeting some of the many people that are praying for Aria. We so appreciate all the prayer Aria gets. We KNOW that God hears that prayer and that it makes a difference. I was really saddened this week by the response to the Dominion Post article about Aria on the Facebook page of stuff.co.nz. Sadly enough it ended up being a catfight about whether prayer was a valid way of supporting Aria in her journey with many people saying it was a waste of time. Let me assure you, we as a family covet and cherish your prayers and all those who pray for our situation. It is sad some do not know the God who hears and answers prayers, but so encouraging to see and know people who do pray, and know the God who hears them and loves them.
30 Responses to “It is well with our souls”
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# 2 May at 2:38 pm
That last hymn you sang is my all time favourite – and what a beautiful video – has me blubbing into my tea – thank you.
# 2 May at 3:13 pm
I don’t have the words to describe what’s in my heart. I love you!!!
….and THANK GOD for working through LS Church!!!!! ( yet again!) I have sat in those same seats…and been blown away by God’s words and how He knows exactly what we need…WHEN we need it!
# 2 May at 3:32 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this Anita. I am so glad you and Hamish were able to go to church together and very awesome to hear of how God had this service all planned out for you!!
# 2 May at 3:57 pm
Anita and Hamish, you two are such an example of true humanity and faith in God. Your honesty in expressing your fears and heartache as you walk beside little Aria holding her hand on her journey, no matter what comes, is just amazing.
I look at the website many times a day, and hold you all in my heart and send you loving energy.
# 2 May at 4:00 pm
One of my favorite songs, It is well with my soul. I have sung many times since my son was born and died. You are both such an inspiration. Showering you both with prayers and tears xx
# 2 May at 4:11 pm
Thanks, Anita, for sharing this today. I needed that message and those songs today as well. So we’ll all keep trusting the Lord to work it all out for His greatest glory and for our good. Who else can we go to? He is the One and Only God Who lived and died for us and loves us more than we can ever possibly imagine. God’s greatest blessings to you all. Still praying, of course.
In His love,
Carolyn O’Cain
# 2 May at 4:21 pm
Praise God for such wonderful friends as Cordell and Carol must be.I am thankful you and Hamish were able to go to church and get refreshed in God’s word.
I will just keep praying for little ARIA as she continues her fight with the bugs and organs.
# 2 May at 4:55 pm
Isn’t God amazing- providing the perfect service/message for you guys- very moving and thought-provoking stuff
# 2 May at 5:31 pm
So glad you guys got to go to church together. What moving testimonies you heard! And what a testimony God is working in you both as you go through the journey he’s taking you on. Your faith in such difficult circumstances is proving to be a tremendous encouragement to so many people. Love you guys. Here are some more cyber hugs and kisses ooooooooooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
# 2 May at 5:36 pm
Keeping you all in my thoughts and sending love as always. ‘It is well with my soul’ – just beautiful, video and the words.
# 2 May at 5:54 pm
What great hymns come out of adversity and that they went on to share the gospel in jerusalem which may never have happened apart from their sorrow.
How hard it must be to not only have the daily battles but to read about the unkindness of people who should think before they speak.I enjoyed the photos what a great troopper is our Aria
# 2 May at 6:07 pm
Oh wow – you both sound so strong and inspired and full of hope. I’m sure this is just what you both needed to do and to do it together it the icing on the cake. I can’t even believe that people need to debate prayer. It is found in all religions and beliefs and known as prayer/meditation etc I know that the power of prayer is so amazing and so helpful to a family in need. Hoping for Aria to receive her gift this week and for the surgeon to be the right one at the right time.
# 2 May at 6:42 pm
Wow… you all have come such a long way. We are going to continue to pray because we know how God works and considering I am STILL here, I am blessed everyday with Him in my life. Never give up and we won’t either. <3 The power of prayer is AWESOME!!!!!
# 2 May at 6:52 pm
what a touching story and what a moving song!! God had an appointment with you on Sunday… and the words He spoke, through the message and both the songs….brings such rest and wellness to not just you, but to all of us, following Aria’s journey..!! What a comfort it is , knowing that you leave your precious little Aria in the Hands of the Almighty!! and we can rest in that!! With you in prayer…EVERY step of the way… lots of love
Yvonne and family, Western Australia
# 2 May at 6:53 pm
I am sorry I missed seeing you at church this morming. It was a very powerful sermon, and I knew that you were there and that God was comforting you with the stories and testimonies. I thank God for you and your faith, and we continue to keep you all in our prayers. We serve a powerful, loving God. You guys are a great wittness to many. All our love. Doc and Sharon
# 2 May at 6:56 pm
My cousins Kathleen and Anita in Colombia gave us your website. We share in prayer knowing that God see it all and has a plan. May He meet all your needs and pour out his love and healing into little Aria. Be courageous; be bold Luke 11:9 with love Alan and Pat McIver, Bedford NS Canada
# 2 May at 7:51 pm
bless Carol
pleased you were able to get to church together and that God spoke to you both so much through it PRAISE Him
praying for you all
praying also for the people that dont know Him
He does hear our prayers
for He is just a word away
# 2 May at 8:21 pm
Wow! So glad that you could both be together in church today! And being with Miss Aria is a privledge and a blessing! She is such a great gal and such a fighter!
# 2 May at 8:46 pm
That service will always stand out in your memories, and more so as you were able to share it together. Thank you for lifting our spirits with your triumphant and yet human testimony.
God is eternally PRESENT, so he is already in the week that lies ahead of you. HE is right there beside you.
Love you lots
# 2 May at 8:58 pm
what a wonderful gift faith is – I have watched your journey now for three years and have watched the result of prayer in your lives and it has filled me full of hope – I have seen myself God’s work in Cody’s life and now seeing how God works in your life – i have always had a faith that fluctuates between wanting to believe but fighting cynicism – it fills me with joy to know that you had such a powerful experience at church. What a powerful time you are in – guided by the journey of your daughter may she do well, and may god grant her health and a life filled with love and beauty. wonderful people – Thanks so much for sharing this
# 2 May at 11:08 pm
what more can be said! O the goodness of our great and most wise and loving Father and how wonderfully he provides. Deeply moved by what you shared. Our love
# 2 May at 11:20 pm
All your prayers will be heard, maybe we should pray also for those who question prayer. our love and best wishes, Erin and my grand daughters
# 2 May at 11:23 pm
Thanks so much for another beautiful post. It is so wonderful that you both have the perspective that you do. It encourages me every day to evaluate my own attitudes to life and God’s work in it. I pray that Aria might be fully restored but that God will sustain you both no matter what. Wish I could give you both a hug!
# 3 May at 12:28 am
Greetings, I’d like to say thank you for an outstanding blog about a topic I have had an interest in for some time now.I have been lurking and studying the posts avidly so i would like to express my thanks for providing me with some very good reading material. I look forward to more, and taking a more active part in the discussions here, whilst learning too!!
# 3 May at 12:49 am
your faith in GOD is so encouraging guys as always…we know that GOD always hears our prayers and answers them in his time, his way. It is a priviledge to stand with you all in prayer as GOD takes you on this journey and you share this journey with us. Love you Love you all xxx
# 3 May at 2:43 am
Wow! What can I say! Obviously God’s plan was that you were both able to attend that service together. What a Mighty God we have! He knows what you need and when you need it. Praying as always for your family, particularly for Aria. Blessings,
Judy.
# 3 May at 5:21 am
So pleased you both got to go to church today, Thank you Carol for making this possible. What a special post, thank you for sharing. Thankful to for encouraging sermons. Your faith & trust in God is truly inspirational.I love the hymn It is well with my Soul. Praying for you all. Lots of love
# 3 May at 7:05 am
We are so pleased you were able to have that moment, Miss Carol you are just lovely bless your heart.
Anita and Hamish thank you for allowing us into your world xxx
Sending our love and hugs to you all xxxxx
# 3 May at 10:21 am
Moving Day! - Aria MacDonald says:[…] much as it pains me to update cause I really wanted to leave this post up for longer, there is lots going on […]
# 3 May at 3:39 pm
It is sad that some people don’t believe in God! I know prayer works, & God hears! Aria is always in my prayers! It amazes me when God picks a sermon perfectly, for anyone’s situation! God Bless you!