Friday, February 8, 2008

Peace That Passes All Understanding


And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

This was written by my niece, Krista and posted on a carepage she created for Garrett.....

Garrett is now entering the last 24-hours of this 72-hour "watch period". The doctors have said that this upcoming 24 hours will be the most critical for Garrett. His brain pressure is now between 14-20. This rise in pressure is normal and the doctors just want to make sure the pressure stays under 24. They will begin feeding him through a feeding tube in a little while. Another great praise report is that Garrett is now trying breathe along with the breathing machine. Given the heavy sedation medication, the fact that he is trying to breathe for himself is great sign! God has continued to work in this place. As Garrett remains in critical condition, his father, Greg, has found the strength to share God's love and mercy with other families waiting in the Pediatric ICU unit. Garrett's family is making a poster board with encouraging scriptures that they will hang in the room with Garrett. While all of the verses have comforted friends and family, I wanted to share two that really hit their hearts:

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13)

O Lord my God, many and many a time you have done great miracles for us, and we are ever in your thoughts. Who else can do such glorious things? No one else can be compared with you. (Psalm 40:5)

After being awake for almost 40 hours, Garrett's family was finally able to get some rest last night. Before going to sleep God spoke to my mom (Kathy Graham) saying, "Why do you stay up and wear out your mind and body, where is your faith in me?" This gave her peace and assurance in the work the Lord is doing. Greg also shared with me a revelation he had. Greg said that he slept like a rock throughout the night, however Jill said that he was praying aloud in his sleep all night long. Just as Greg was waking up this morning he lifted his arms to heaven and said, "Lord, he is 100% yours. I put all of this in your hands." He said that God spoke to him and made him realize that we need to move past the “begging and pleading” stage, Garrett is covered by the blood of Jesus. Jesus has already paid the price for all of us. We need to rest in the blessed assurance of God, knowing He is taking care of Garrett. After receiving this message from God, Greg said that he was literally bouncing and recharged. We do not realize it, but the spiritual side of this is so real. He said when he looks at Garrett lying in that hospital bed that he can see the shields of angels surrounding him, guarding him, “bowed up and gritting their teeth”. They are on the watch for the enemy. He knows that they will not let harm come to Garrett, they are fiercely protecting him. Greg encourages all of us to “rebuke the negative thoughts that enter our minds, and experience the power of God!” Even as Garrett lies in the hospital, he is a constant testament to those who are lost. Several churches have reported that while praying for Garrett many young adults have rededicated their life to Christ or accepted Christ into their hearts for the first time. God’s plan is much bigger than we can imagine. We praise him for all he has done!

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