Saturday, April 12, 2008

. . . but for the glory of God . . .

Ups and downs, highs and lows . . . that pretty much describes my week. Nine days ago our pastor and good friend fell at home and broke his hip resulting in the need for a total hip replacement. The surgery itself went well. Complications from the anesthesia, chest congestion from a cold he had before the surgery and a preexisting heart condition sent him into respiratory distress on Tuesday. By yesterday, the doctors had opted to put him on a ventilator - not as a means of life support but a as a way of helping him to breath and allowing his body to heal. Since the surgery, Bro. Billy has been unable to move his left side - which was already weakened from a prior stroke several years ago - but so far had not shown any signs of another stroke. Today when his oldest daughter went in to see him, he wiggled his left foot and gave her a little wave with his left hand! Through tears of joy, she gave him a little "lecture" that it was about time he started getting better, and then she started laying out exactly what their schedule was going to have to be over the next few days and weeks so that he could be well enough to attend his graduation ceremony on May 6. You see, he is scheduled to receive his honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree on May 6. A long time coming for a man who was called to preach at the ripe old age of 12 and who has been serving the Lord non-stop for over 60 years. Plus, he has his 50th wedding annniversary coming up in June. After Lisa finshed talking, he winked and gave her a one handed "thumbs up". That was no insignificant gesture! That was a monumental feat!

The following is a quote from an e-mail that our Associate Pastor, Bro. Jim sent us the other day.

"We are trusting God for complete healing for our Pastor. The Lord Jesus Christ said of Lazarus in John 11:4. "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."

"I am choosing to claim this verse from God concerning Pastor Rigsby. We do not always understand the trials of life, but God is always present in the midst of our trials. May God get glory through His Son in the sickness and healing of our Pastor." I think that about says it all.

Please keep Bro. Billy as well as Ms. Jean, Lisa, Kathy and AnaRae and their families in your prayers. It's been a long week for them all and their strength is waning. They've got another long week ahead of them. And remember Bro. Jim as he takes over for Bro. Billy.
. . . . .but for the glory of God . . . . .


3 comments:

The Feathered Nest said...

What wonderful news!!! This post gave me chillbumps!! Sounds like a wonderful man, I will keep him and his family in my prayers ~ xxoo, Dawn

Cathy said...

Oh, I will pray for your dear pastor and friend, and his family. I came from Adrienne's.

vintage girl at heart said...

Glad to hear Brother Billy is doing Better!!! I will also keep Mr T.in my prayers!!!