Prayers Answered!!

After the specialists identified my vision disorder, a series of different medications followed. There is no research on AIR (autoimmune retinopathy) because of its rarity, so the doctors are creating a game plan as we go. From 1000 mg of steroids to 500 mg immunosuppressants twice a day, the docs are throwing everything and anything at the enzymes in my body to settle them down. One treatment was too costly to attempt the 1st time ($1600 per dose with lots of doses).

In February, after another eye appointment and distressing news, I sat in my car, cried, and called the insurance company. After talking with them, I found out that one of the treatments was 100% covered. After speaking with the neurologist's office and telling them to actually talk to a human with the insurance company, my first infusion will be coming up very soon.

Needless to say, prayers were answered last Friday when I received that news.  Woohoo!!

Someone asked me if I was made at the doctor's office for not handling my insurance information correctly. The answer is, "No." That may be hard to understand. Could I have started treatments in November? Yes, but I didn't because of misinformation. Should I have followed up with my insurance company myself in November? Yes, but I didn't, so that's on me. [All of us should be advocates for ourselves and know what our health insurance can do for us.]

Back to the question of why I'm not mad...I feel that it is part of God's plan. This treatment will not cure my vision loss. It will not repair any damage. It can only stop any future damage from happening, maybe. This is not a sure thing. I'm a guinea pig for a an extremely rare disease that has no medical research attached, not even by the famous Mayo Clinic.

How can I be mad at someone who is part of God's plan? How can I be disappointed when I have given my testimony more in 5 months than I ever have before about God's strength, support, and faithfulness through this entire journey? Please don't get made or disappointed on my behalf. Rejoice at the number of people I've met. Celebrate the seeds that have been sown. Pray that God's Plan will be done through the infusions, whatever that plan may be.

My motto has become 2 Corinthians 5:7 "Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight." This verse has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I don't need my sight to see God's handiwork in my life. I feel His presence when I'm at my lowest and when I'm on the mountaintop. I don't need my sight to follow my Lord and Savior.

A few blogs ago, I shared Jeremiah 29:11 ESV: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." We may not be able to see God's big picture (His Plan) for our lives. We definitely cannot see the forest for the trees, yet. But...some day, some time, maybe tomorrow, or the next day, or next week, or even the next blink of our eyes, He will show us that plan.

So...what do we do while waiting? We dance in the hallway. We praise and worship and share. Tell others what God is doing for you in the hallway. Connect with other Believers, with non-believers who are suffering like you (and me). 

We were not put on this planet to waste time by sitting, twiddling our thumbs, and waiting for Christ's return. We have a job to do, a Godly responsibility. If we are sitting, we are sharing God's love and mercy with others. If we are waiting, we are sharing Christ's sacrifice for our sins. John 3:16 should not be a closely held secret. Start with that verse and do more.

Thank you for reading. Please pray for our mission team as we prepare for our trip at the end of May to Peru.

In Christ's Love, 

PB

2 Chronicles 30:9 "The LORD your GOD is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you." 

 

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