JAMES COATES – 3 MONTHS LATER

February 1, 2010 will forever be a day etched in the minds of Jim & Sue Coates…one in which their lives were inexplicably changed forever….a day where Jim suffered a massive stroke …one of which most victims would not have survived. Even though the brain stem bleed left Jim paralyzed on the entire left side of his body he was thankful to be alive.
Despite the doctors’ grim prognosis, they feel that God has really placed his hand on Jim.
A miracle has happened.
Three months later, we all stand amazed at the progress Jim has made in his recovery. With the help of physiotherapy, his facial muscles are strengthening and the lopsided smile is barely visible. Feeling in both his arm and his leg are slowly returning along with his characteristic sense of humour. The other day, he was even able to walk a few paces with some assistance. The progress I saw after a 5 week absence was truly amazing. Sue looks more rested and Jim was sitting up unassisted in a chair, joining in conversation with us, while also practicing with his small rubber ball to improve the mobility of his fingers on his left hand. The Lord has been gracious to them and we ask that you continue to keep them both in your prayers. Often the greatest challenges are not always physical. With so much time to think and contemplate the past events, they experience times of doubt and depression. Doubt of how this could serve to God’s honour and glory and depression combined with discouragement at the seemingly slow progress. Time to think about the future and the past, time to think about what has been and what will be, along with their roles, plans and decisions that must be made for the months and years to come. Satan seeks whom he may devour especially within our own minds.
Please continue to hold Jim and Sue before our sovereign Lord, that these discouraging, often doubting and disconcerting thoughts may not derail their knowledge and trust in our heavenly Father’s loving providence.