We're Praying

Enucleation is the removal of the eyeball. Never in my imagination did I think we'd be facing something like this. Sadly, we are most likely going to need this performed soon on Shelly. In my last post, I stated we were hoping for about 6 months, but it's clear that Shelly is in too much discomfort to wait that long.

 

It is so difficult to understand all that is happening within Shelly over just these past couple of months. It's even baffling all of her doctors. Her oncologist is unclear as to the root cause of it.

I am seeking wisdom in moving forward with this procedure. We clearly don't want Shelly being in pain. We're told that the severe uveitis and glaucoma she has is comparable to a migraine headache. I can certainly understand why she's not been overly eager to eat or socialize.
If the condition would only correct itself, then that would be answer to pray! Unfortunately, it's not and we need to understand why not...

We're approaching a very, very difficult cross road here. In consulting with her primary vet the other day, his concern is with her overall health. TCC, a.k.a. bladder cancer that she has is not curable. It is only treatable, and for how long is anyone's guess. Based upon Shelly's overall condition before the eye problem, she was doing quite well. In fact just last week her and I played some Frisbee in the yard on a warm and sunny afternoon. So it's really difficult to know just how much of her current discomfort is attributed to the persistent uveitis and how much if any may be from by the TCC.
In addition to both of these chronic issues, is a third underlying chronic problem of arthritis.

Poor Shelly just can't catch a break. We've been treating her off and on for better than 4 years now for stiffness in her hind end. Between chiropractic, laser therapy and now acupuncture, it's also worsening. Our primary vet said this is common when there are other issues at hand like the TCC. He's seen it before.

So what to do. What to do.

I am praying about this first of all, truly seeking after God's wisdom. His word tells us that when we ask, we will receive.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.                                                                                                                                  James 1:5

So why am I not getting a clear cut answer? How does God deliver us His answers?
It's only in reading his word, the bible that you can be certain you're hearing from God. Just like any relationship the more you immerse yourself, the more you will develop a deeper understanding of one another. I cannot expect to hear from God if I seldom open His word. I must be reading it regularly, daily, to be able to truly know him.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.                     John 10:27

Yes, I do hear God. I hear him clearly when I seek after him with my whole heart. When my will aligns with his. In other words, when my goals are not self-centered, but Christ-centered.
So what is God's will in all of this? What is God's will in each one of our lives? We all face uncertainties each day. We all need wisdom to proceed. How do you handle your own trials?

I'm seeking, I'm praying, I'm praising, I'm open to God's will. Won't you please pray along with me for whatever it is you're facing this day?

Heavenly father, you alone are good. None of us can compare. We are weak, you are strong. We are unknowing, you are all knowing. We are sinful, you are holy. I confess my sinfulness to you. I hold things too closely, when I should be holding nothing but you. I do not always seek you when I most need to. I do need you every day, every hour, minute by minute, every second. I cannot you, only you can.
I want to walk in your paths of righteousness. Your word from James 4:8 says, Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. It is only there that I will see you.
You tell us in Lamentations 3:23 about your mercies, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I ask that especially for today.
Please give me wisdom as I try to discern what is the best thing for Shelly. I know you love her even more than I do.
Thank you God for all that you've done, that you do, and that you are going to do through this situation we face.
It is in your holy precious name of Jesus that I ask and pray.
Amen.

P.S. Dear God,
April, Shelly's little sister, asks if it's possible, to please let her feel extra good today!