Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)
Today was the type of day that one who likes being in control dreads—kind of like leaving the outcome of a match on the putter of your opponent rather than your own. I was in the hospital waiting out my daughter’s foot surgery as I wrote this devotional.
Scripture tells us, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
I doubted my own faith this morning, as I “hoped” the surgery would be a success, but I wasn’t feeling assured. I “believed” the doctor would do great, but there’s no way to tell when you’re not in the room.
As the nurse wheeled Jane back to surgery, that parental sense of helplessness began to settle in. It’s not in my hands, I thought. The irony was that I didn’t want it in my hands. I was terrible at the childhood game of Operation. I can’t imagine the damage I would do in real life!
With two plates and eight screws in her foot, Jane will now set off metal detectors at airport security but should be fine otherwise.So I went to the front lobby to meditate on my go-to prayer when I battle anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
I marvel at the calming effect that verse has on me. It’s nothing like the medicinal cocktail Jane received in her arm, but it’s a fantastic sedative and a needleless option, no less.
With the peace of God now guarding my mind, my heart was next.
While asking Rodney the security guard how to get to the cafeteria, I noticed he was reading Ezra at his desk. I said, “I like that book you’re reading.” He responded, “I can’t do without it!” That led to a great conversation about why I was there and the prayer I had just prayed, which prompted him to proclaim, “It’s in the hands of the Great Physician now!” Rodney’s words felt like an extra large blanket of God’s protection extending from my heart to the operating room.
The end result was a successful surgery. With two plates and eight screws in her foot, Jane will now set off metal detectors at airport security but should be fine otherwise.
So how can I apply today’s verse to my life?
Rejoice always. I thank God for putting people like Rodney in my path.
Pray continually. Paul’s words to the Philippians got me through today. And I’ve never finished a prayer and thought, That’s time I’ll never get back.
Give thanks in all circumstances. I’m grateful we had the means to get our daughter’s foot healed—despite being 10 days short of a deductible-free year. Doh!
—
Drew Hamilton
November 25, 2019
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.