I have often heard people say about those going through a difficult time, “You should see how strong they were. Not one tear was shed as the news was given. What faith they must have.” Well, I am not one of those people. When I get bad news or am experiencing a difficult time, you will hear me and see me show it.
Recently, as my husband was undergoing emergency surgery for an infection following his hip replacement, I found myself in an out of control situation. I cried out to God, I shed many tears, and I even emotionally lost it while talking to a friend on the phone. I was all alone, four hours from my home, and saying goodbye to my husband outside the operating room. We were both scared of the risks and unsure of what procedure that would have to be done.
As I went out to sit in an empty waiting room at 9:00 pm, I noticed a small chapel down the hallway. I went to the altar and threw myself on my knees and cried out to God to please heal my husband and make this fear I was feeling go away. After praying aloud for a while with my hands lifted to the sky, I opened my eyes and saw an open Bible lying in front of me.
My instinctive reaction was to turn to the familiar verses of comfort I had known for years. Instead, I was drawn to a page marked in Psalms. I started to read Psalm 141:1-2 and the tears started streaming. God had a special verse just for me: “O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help! Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.”
God not only knew my circumstances, He showed me that He knew what time of day it was, and He was listening. At that moment a sudden peace came over me and I knew things would be okay. Shortly after, some family members arrived, as well as the surgeon with good news. The infection had most likely not reached the hip joint. We praised God and asked Him for further healing.
Even if the outcome would have been different, we know God was there every step of the way. I wish I could say that God always speaks so clearly to me. When He does, it is the most amazing thing to experience. When He doesn’t, I try to hold to His truths that have held true for centuries past and continue to hold true today.
Memory Verse:
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
– Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, I thank You for Your precious Word that can comfort, guide and even assure me in times of uncertainty. Let me always turn to You first through the good times as well as the bad. Help me to specifically trust You with…”
Contributing Writer:
Susie Mozisek
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