On March 15, I underwent emergency surgery for a perforated colon. My surgeon was talented and his efforts were successful. Unfortunately, a day after the procedure I contracted covid and pneumonia – resulting in a suture-breaking cough that created a hernia below the incision sight.
Obviously I would rather not have an intestinal bag attached to my stomach right now. Nor do I look forward to more pain that comes with a future surgery to reverse the colostomy and repair the hernia. But there are definitely some big things to be grateful for. In fact, I wrote a family friend this week who teaches Old Testament at Canadian Baptist Seminary, and has written extensively on suffering and faith in the book of Habakkuk.
She said that she was praying for us that our hope would remain high as we evidences of God’s glory shining through this present darkness. Her prayer was based on John 9:3 where Jesus answered someone’s question regarding the purpose of suffering in a man who had been who had been born blind. With calm and comforting authority, Jesus said, “this happened so that the works of God might be displayed.”
I am grateful that our professor friend is praying that we would see the hand of God at work in this. And this is the great reality that sustains every Christian in suffering: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). In the midst of suffering, the foundation of the believer’s hope is that all things means exactly that – God is at work in ALL things.
What is the work (the meaningful, necessary purpose) that God is doing? Well, much of that remains to be seen. And as we know, some of that will never be seen – BY US during our earthly sojourn. That’s why the righteous must live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). Even though “the secret things belong to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 29:29), there are some things that are abundantly clear. I suppose I will put them under the category of “some very clear things we are grateful for”.
1. I’m alive.
My surgeon said the Covid and pneumonia that entered into my body that was already traumatized (by the
ruptured colon and emergency surgery) made for a dangerous situation. In fact, he lost a 35 year old patient with this exact scenario.
2. Twenty-first century medical care in America.
As I look back at my life, it’s hard to see all the medical stuff as much suffering. I’ve had great hospitals, surgeons, nurses, antibiotics, and pain meds. I have a home, a bed, a pillow – and a wife who serves me constantly.
3. Im healing quickly.
The human body is amazing. If we knew all the immeasurably complex processes that are accomplished in the blood alone, every second of our day would be filled with praise to God.
And our marveling of this human machine only increases as we watch the body repair itself after injury. Complications in the hospital with my suture-ripping cough required I go home with a large open wound at the incision (that had to be re-packed with a surgical dressing twice a day). But nurse Lisa included so much protein in my diet 3x a day, that the incision healed fairly quickly.
And between pain meds and healing, we are so grateful for the lessening of pain. I hate pain. I don’t think I have a particularly high tolerance for it. Therefore every moment of RELIEF yields indescribable joy.
4. Opportunities to witness.
God has put new people
in our path since March 15. We have sought to walk through any door that seemed to be divinely opened for a word or two about our Savior and King.
5. Time to rest and reflect.
God does MAKE us lie down in green pastures. He knows how and when we need to rest far more than we do. And EVERY time He makes me lie down in a green pasture, He ALWAYS shows me how I can walk more fully in paths of righteousness.
6. The nations.
Just as I have suffered in the presence of so much help, moments like these cause me to grieve for the the world where this kind of care is seldom present. So even though I would not choose to add any pain to my life, it does cause me to feel and cherish the physical and spiritual anguish of countless many throughout the earth.
