The previous months were smooth and I remember saying a prayer of thanks before my daughter Clara’s 15-month-old checkup. However, we’d find out within a week after the appointment she would need surgery to repair an inguinal hernia.
Friends offered immediate words of comfort.
“It’s a minor surgery.”
“If it’s going to be a surgery, that’s the one to have.”
“She’s so young, she won’t even remember it.”
My brain agreed. Percentages were in our favor and we couldn’t ask for a better surgeon. We were told recovery time would be minimal, great news for parents of a full-tilt toddler.
So, why did my heart argue?
For those not familiar with our story, my wife Jessica and I consider Clara our miracle baby after a long bout with infertility. God knocked our socks off and she’s been a hit since day one. We never knew we could love another human being so much. We are honored we get to protect her, lead her and guide her. So the thought of not being able to protect her while she was cut on didn’t set well. But the procedure was scheduled to take only 90 minutes and we were told the incision would be small.
We knew the hardest part would be letting Clara go off with the anesthesiologist. This was confirmed repeatedly when talking about the upcoming procedure with those who had a child endure surgery. We heard how hard it was to see their child taken around the corner without 100% certainty all would go well.
The months leading up to the surgery reminded me what is certain in relation to trials we face as Christians and how God loves and protects us.
God Allows Trials
James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Like any Christian parents that believe in an all-powerful God, we prayed for healing. We know God has the ability to heal anyone at anytime. However, we also know trials are a regular part of the Christian life and have a purpose. Though we longed for God to heal Clara outright to take away the pressure while providing a great story, the story is no less wonderful as we look back on how God provided comfort from His word, His people and His spirit working in us during the whole process.
God Is With You In Those Trials
Philippians 4:6,7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Our only peace about the surgery came through a daily connection to God and a reminder of his control of our lives each day, including Clara’s. We were fortunate to have many friends and family join us in constant prayer.
God Uses Those Trials To Draw You Closer To Him
1 Peter 5:10 says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We had some welcome surprises along the way. Even though the hardest part was seeing Clara leaving with the nurse, God provided comic relief. Our last image before we had to go to the waiting room was of Clara going around the corner with a huge smile on her face as she laughed at the zany anesthesiologist chasing after her with her hospital bed. As we sat in the waiting room surrounded by friends and family, Jess and I felt like we were administered laughing gas through the vents. Our community knit together through God’s Holy Spirit provided the conversation and laughs we needed as the procedure only lasted 45 minutes.
After the reunion with one tired toddler, we sat at home stunned by how quick the time had passed in a day that seemed like it would take forever in the days leading up to it.
I confessed to God that any anxiety I had felt leading up to the day wasn’t worth it. He had us taken care of all along.
I consider it my 38-year old spiritual checkup as I’m reminded the Lord performs a constant procedure on our heart. No anesthesia is required.
My wife and I have been facing some serious trials within our LG and the only way we have persevered through it is by being IN the Word! The trials in and of themselves have been pretty heavy and crappy, to be frank, but in it and through it, it’s been a joy to be know that He works them out THROUGH us!
Dan,
What a benefit for your LG to have you and your wife committed to being in the word and available to be worked through. Thanks for your honesty!
Agreed with what Chris said below. Thanks so much for sharing Dan!