Stayed Upon Jehovah

Last night Joseph’s grandmother, Marie, came in to care for him while I went home to sleep. He was resting but not as well as the past few nights. He is having tummy cramps and is starting to get insatiable hunger, which is a side effect of the steroids in his treatment. When I arrived Joseph was awake and unsettled as his grandmother was soothing him and gently rubbing his tummy. I started to sing “just as I am” and he closed his eyes and began to relax. Soon he was asleep and Marie could go home to rest.

However a few minutes later he awoke again and looked at me. I waited to see if he would close his eyes again. Then asked ” would you like me to sing again” this got a nod – yes. So I picked up my hymnbook and flipped through till I saw a song I knew the tune to and started to sing it to him. As Joseph started to breath deeply again and slip off to sleep I was singing these words.

Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the sun of love, we may trust Him fully, all for us to do, They who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true, Stayed upon Jehovah , hearts are fully blessed, finding as He promised perfect peace and rest.

Here was my little boy so sick and in such a strange and frightening place able to rest because his daddy was next to him. Here I was with my life turned upside down and praying for my son to live and wondering what will come next. And my Father in heaven inviting me into rest, To trust him wholly and find Him wholly true.

10 thoughts on “Stayed Upon Jehovah

  1. Praying for joseph and for your family. We also have 2 wee ones confined right now (in the Philippines) with ALL and AML and very low blood counts. We know how difficult this is for you but we also know that God is still able to heal.. Let’s agree together!

  2. Dear Ed,
    Oh, the beauty of a hymn to comfort the soul! As I am rising here in Alabama while it is still dark, how amazing to consider that our Father in heaven is watching over little Joseph on a different continent across the world. We serve a mighty God!
    Please let Kate know that many of us moms are identifying with how her heart must ache as she continues to meet the needs of your other little ones with Joseph continually on her mind. Both of you remain on our hearts and in our prayers in the midst of this trial. Please let us know how she and your other children are coping in this trial.
    How comforting to remember that just like Joseph in the book of Genesis, your Joseph has not been forgotten in the midst of this battle for his health.
    He has the King of Kings fighting this illness on his behalf!

    Let this morning bring Ed, Kate, and Joseph word of your unfailing love for they have put their trust in you. Show them the way they should go for to you they lift up their soul. Rescue Ed, Kate, and Joseph from their enemies….May your good Spirit lead them on level ground.
    (paraphrase of Psalm 143:8-10)

    In His grace,
    Amy Butler

  3. Praise the Lord! What a testimony of God’s tender mercies in the middle of a difficult, soul wrenching situation! I can hear your beautiful, soothing voice in my memory and imagine how comforting your presence is for Joseph; a picture of God’s presence in that hospital room as He watches over you all and loves you with an everlasting love, as He whispers His Word in your hearts and encourages your souls with Truth. Our hearts are stayed upon Jehovah with you, and we feel His blessing through knowing of your family’s faith and looking to Jesus. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

    We send our love to Joseph and all of his family…

  4. Dear Ed and Kate,

    We are friends of Ken and Katy Wienecke. He has told us of Joseph so we are praying for you all. I so appreciate your blog, and grateful for your sharing with us. You are much lifted up to our Lord.

    Love,
    Susan and David Close

  5. Hi Ed,
    It’s been a long time since I’ve heard about you and your sweet family. My mom told me about your little Joseph and directed me to your website. My husband and I have a 17 month old girl and after working at Children’s hospital, my heart really goes out to your family and your little one. What a difficult time – may God uphold you all and strengthen you through His word and other believers.
    We will keep updated through your website and keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Much Love,
    Katie with Ryan and Gracie

  6. Praise the Lord for His special comfort and grace to you both during this time through music and better news!
    May He continue to bless you with this!
    For the Maces,
    Anna

  7. I too live in Alabama but I am praying all during the day and when I wake during the night I’m praying for your little Joseph . My heart breaks with yours as a parent . Only God makes this bearable . Praying for a miracle that will bring much glory to our Lord !!

  8. Hi Ed and Kate,
    I know of your struggle through our mutual friend and sister in Christ Lesley-Anne Burnett. I cannot even begin to comprehend how difficult u 0

  9. This must be, especially with a new baby. My thoughts and prayers go with you from my home in England and I will ask my church to pray too. You are awesome witnesses of the comforting and upholding hand of our faithful Lord. Let Him be your hiding place xx

  10. Praying often for you & your precious family & believing God has plans to use Joseph mightily for His glory in bringing many to Jesus.

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