Prayer Request: Zach is going down for his surgery to remove both his feet this afternoon. Please pray that God will guide the hands of the surgeons and medical team so that all will go well. Please pray for peace for Zach and also for us.

Evening Update:

The theme for today is: Shepherd.

Psalm 23. A psalm about a shepherd. A psalm about THE Shepherd. A psalm about Jesus.

Reality check. I am a sheep. You are a sheep. We are all sheep. Sheep need a shepherd. No shepherd. No sheep. Shepherds loved their sheep. Their actions showed it. Good shepherds showed their provision, protection, and presence to their sheep. The sheep came first.

A shepherd had to provide for his sheep. Sheep need food and refreshment. And that can only come from a loving and savvy shepherd. Sheep loved green pastures. If the grass was greener on the other side, they would be ready to go. Ready to eat. But shepherds couldn’t just let their sheep go to any green pasture. The green pasture had to be a place for nourishment but also a place of protection. Green grass was great. But more importantly the shepherd had to make sure the sheep could eat safely. So, a shepherd was sort of like a scout. Scout the land and make sure it was safe. Check out the grass and plants and make sure they were safe to eat. Then lead them to the pasture. Then feed them. Meal time for the shepherd and his woolly sheep was a massive undertaking. The sheep were worth it.

A shepherd had to protect his sheep. 24-7. Wolves and wild animals would eat sheep. Not shepherds. Shepherds knew this. They had to be alert and prepared. They had to know these animals were lying in wait. They had to know where these animals would be. Good shepherds led sheep on the right paths. On safe paths. They did so keeping their sheep close by. Sheep are most protected when they stay close to the shepherd. Shepherds know their sheep. But they know the wolves too. They know them well. Wolves can’t fool them. Wolves don’t scare them. A loving shepherd would do anything it took to protect his sheep from wolves. Day and night. The sheep were worth it.

A shepherd had to be present with his sheep. A loving shepherd would literally walk among his sheep. He’d come right alongside them if need be. Good shepherds knew them by name. Good shepherds made sure their sheep got along with each other. They saved helpless sheep. They went after the lost sheep. They couldn’t imagine the thought of not being around their sheep. They were full time sheep watchers, sheep leaders, and sheep guides. Presence. Be there. Be with them. Even if just to listen to them. Even if just to comfort them. A loving shepherd would never forsake his sheep. He wanted to be there with them and be there for them. The sheep were worth it.

Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. So simple. So profound. So personal. The Lord is MY shepherd. Since that’s true, I lack nothing. Not. One. Thing.

Zach’s feet were amputated today. Makes you go numb. Makes your heart break for him. And for Megan. More parts of him gone. We knew this was reality, but it still comes as a shock. The tall, slim, fit, young man walked on those feet. He hiked, leaped, bounced, and ran on those feet. He stood solid on those feet. We pleaded with God to keep those feet. As the weeks went on, we knew this day would come. A day planned by God. Planned well. Planned perfectly. Planned according to His purpose and for His glory. Planned under the Shepherd’s provision, protection, and presence.  

There have been many physical changes for Zach. But one thing has not changed. Zach is a sheep. Zach has a shepherd. The good Shepherd. Jesus. The shepherd who went to such great lengths to save him that he suffered for him, died for him, and rose for him. Jesus is his shepherd. Zach will not be in want. Zach lacks nothing. He is worth it. All the Shepherd’s sheep are worth it. More on that next time.

Today’s Updates:

Zach’s surgery went well this afternoon. The vascular surgeons amputated both legs just below the knee, which is better for weight-bearing prosthetics in the future, Lord willing. Zach is still on sedation and calming medications to keep him relaxed after his surgery. Please join us in thanking God that his surgery went smoothly. Please pray for peace for Zach after the loss of his feet. Please pray that God will bless Zach’s recovery from his surgery and allow him to heal from his illness and pain.

Now that Zach’s surgery is complete, the next step in his care is to prepare to transfer him to Calgary. Please pray that we will be able to secure a transport to Calgary soon and that Zach will tolerate the transport well so that it will be a beneficial step in his care.

Today marked Zach’s eighth day off of the ventilator. He’s still on low trach mask settings and his cuff was down again this morning. During the surgery, they had to put Zach back on the ventilator, but he is back on the trach mask this evening with the cuff up since he is still sedated. Please thank God that Zach continues to need minimal support for his lungs.

At the time of writing this, Zach’s eyes are open and he’s looking at us. We thank you for your continued prayers. Please continue to pray especially that Zach may find peace in his situation, and that God may heal his brain. We praise our God and Father who cares for us and knows our needs.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:11-18)

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
(Psalm 23)

Where you lead them may they go,
walking in your steps below;
then, before your Father’s throne,
Savior, claim them for your own.

Source: Trinity Psalter Hymnal #527