Tuesday, November 16, 2010

it's been a week. . .

since Florian went in for surgery.... a week since we were told things were tenuous... a week since we were holding out hour-by-hour... a week since we pleaded with God to miraculously heal... a week since I, once again, committed Florian into God's care...

Last Sunday we met briefly for prayer and following that Florian said, "God gave me a new spiritual heart many years ago; now I am being given the opportunity for a new physical heart". Little did we know just what kind of "heart" God had in mind for him.

Florian didn't ever recover from surgery; he had a heart attack coming out of the procedure and his heart simply could not overcome the stress of the events. He left us Wednesday morning (the 10th) after the medical team worked through the night, throwing everything at him that they had in their arsenal.

We celebrated his life on Saturday (13th) - my prayer remains that the service was not only a celebration of Florian's life but also a clear testimony to what God had done in Florian these last 29 years as he endeavored to live his life in total submission & surrender to the will of God.

And now... Psalm 20 has a different feel to it, but it is what will carry me... carry us... through these next difficult days:

In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry.

May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.

May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.

May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed.

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.

May the LORD answer all your prayers.

Florian had a theme song that marked the way he chose to live each day: Rich Mullins, Step By Step. I feel the weight of the mantle as it behooves me now to take the torch that has been passed to me... to continue with the legacy that he left us... to follow Jesus, step by step.

2 comments:

Jennifer Scull said...

oh Edith, the tears are just flowing. I wish, oh how I wish, I could be there to give you a big hug.... I trust that God will give it to you for me. my prayers and love are with you always. my sorrow overflows, but I rejoice in where he is and the love the two of you have.
may God bring you comfort and peace, as only He can.

Suzanne said...

Edith, I struggle for words to express what is is my heart. We have never met except for in the "virtual" world yet you are such an inspiration for me. You faith and trust in God has been a witness to me in times of my own trial. I pray for you daily and thank God for you as well as ask his special touch of comfort for you and your family. I would like to think one day we might actually meet, but doubt that we will still I thank you for your witness and pray for your peace and comfort in the days to come. Thank you Edith!