Our friends, Jan and Mark Lacher, received a new diagnosis for their youngest son recently: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. It is a catastrophic epilepsy with no cure.
Here is a portion of their email, which I am using with Jan’s permission. Please read it – especially linger over the last paragraph – and marvel at God’s sustaining power in the midst of extraordinary pain:
This diagnosis was difficult to hear. Even though it is just a label, there is much sorrow in it. It is difficult to see Michael with his disabilities in ways that other people see him. I am much more aware of his disabilities when I am out of my home. I tend to respond to how others respond to Michael and have a heightened awareness of his weaknesses. That is one of the reasons leaving the home with him is so difficult. There has to be a great deal of courage to do so.
Typically, when I look at Michael, I really don’t see a person with disabilities. With great affection, I see “Michael–the Fox”–as a person. He can’t do what others can, but he does have a charm about him that is unique to him. He can be mischievous as many of you have witnessed when he unexpectedly knocks a cup or plate out of your hand; he experiences pure pleasure when eating chocolate pudding or an ice cream sandwich as exemplified by his “mmmm” with each bite; he displays his affection as he rests his head on my shoulder or taps his foot on my thigh; and he belly-laughs when Mark “wrestles” him on the mat. He seems to recognize my greeting every morning of “this is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” I am beginning to think that achievement is over-rated!
Every day for us continues to be a walk of faith in our Lord–one that looks to Him for what we need–for the strength, for the courage, for the hope, and for the grace to go forward, one step at a time, one day at a time, and frequently, one minute at a time. The unrelenting nature of Michael’s situation is daunting, but God promises to work this out for our good–to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) We know that God’s Word is always, always, always, true. He never will contradict Himself. It is not in His nature to do so. He can be trusted even though we do not understand all that He does. We rest in that promise.
We welcome any prayers said on our behalf.
Jan L
Please join me in praying for this dear family.
The Works of God 
God helps me through contrasts
Posted in commentary, Scripture on September 29, 2011| Leave a Comment »
As God has done many times for me, I was confronted by two contrasting views of God’s sovereignty over just a few hours. One view was in a memoir by a parent about her child with disabilities; the other was an email from a dear family.
The memoir includes all the things we parents of children with disabilities understand: shock, anger, despair, contemplation, surprise, delight. But there is a lingering assertion throughout: God, explain yourself in ways that make sense to how I want you to be.
The email from our friends came with news about a new and difficult diagnosis for their child. The options are limited; the side effects of some medications are incredibly hard to bear. And there was a strong affirmation throughout: God, you are who you say you are, and we trust you.
The contrast was good for me. One thought hard about experiences. The other thought hard about scripture, and interpreted the experience in light of God’s word.
There are many things God chooses not to reveal. But he did reveal the most important thing, the most beautiful thing, the most necessary thing – Jesus. What God reveals in his word and when he grants us faith in Jesus, we know his goodness and love and mercy and wrath and kindness are so certain we can join with Paul in proclaiming:
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
(Romans 11:33-36 ESV)
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