David's Asthma Attacks
For the past few days, our family has been going through another challenging episode of dealing with our son David’s asthma attacks. When night falls, we brace ourselves for what’s to come—coughing fits, difficulty in breathing, and the struggle of watching him in discomfort. As much as we have been through this before, each episode still feels just as heartbreaking.
A Battle with the Air We Breathe
Recently, Phnom Penh made headlines for being one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to Camboja News, our city ranked second in global pollution levels. While the government has played down the health hazards, the reality is undeniable for families like ours who have children with respiratory conditions. The poor air quality has triggered another cycle of nebulizing sessions and restless nights for our son. It’s a painful sight—seeing him struggle to catch his breath, feeling his little body tense up with every wheezing sound, and hearing him say that coughing hurts his belly.
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| Phnom Penh City |
My three reflections as we manage David's asthma:
Prayer Anchors Our Hearts in God's Faithfulness
There is something about praying for our children that deepens our dependence on God. We do not just ask for healing; we surrender our worries, our exhaustion, and our fears to Him. In moments when David’s breathing becomes difficult, and we reach for the nebulizer, we whisper prayers over him. We ask God to open his airways, to calm his lungs, and to give him rest.
It is in these nights of struggle that we see how prayer shifts our perspective. Instead of drowning in fear, we are reminded that God is our refuge. Even if healing does not come immediately, we know that He is present. He is not distant from our pain—He walks with us through it.
Wisdom and Tools Are Part of God’s Grace
While we pray for supernatural healing, we also recognize that God provides practical solutions. We are grateful for medicine, for doctors, and for the simple yet effective tools like nebulizers that offer temporary relief. Every time we turn on the machine, we thank God that we have access to it. Not every family has this privilege, and we do not take it for granted.
We have also taken steps to minimize exposure to polluted air—keeping windows closed, using masks, and limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. God has given us wisdom to be stewards of our health, and part of our faith is using what He has provided.
Healing Is a Journey, and God Is Still Good
There are times when we wonder—why hasn’t God completely healed David yet? Why do we still go through these cycles? But we are learning that healing is often a journey rather than an instant miracle. Every small victory—every night where he breathes a little easier, every morning when he wakes up with renewed strength—is proof that God is working.
We hold on to the hope that one day, David will no longer need nebulizing sessions. But even if healing takes time, we will continue to trust in the goodness of God. He is not only the God of miracles but also the God of sustaining grace.
A Hopeful Perspective
Thankfully, the air quality in Phnom Penh is improving now, and we praise God for that. We continue to monitor David’s condition and believe that he will overcome this. In the meantime, we keep praying, managing, and trusting. To other parents walking the same path, know that you are not alone. The sleepless nights, the deep sighs of exhaustion, the moments of helplessness—God sees them all. He is with you, just as He is with us.
Psalm 103:2-3 reminds us to bless the Lord, not only in times of abundance but also in moments of struggle. Even when healing is still unfolding, He is worthy of our praise. We may not always understand why certain trials come, but we can be sure of one thing: God's love for our children is even greater than ours. And that is a truth we can rest in, no matter what comes our way.
Let us continue to pray, to hope, and to trust.
Healing is coming, one breath at a time.
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