ALL THINGS

And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

After some days in the hospital this last week, I found this verse from Romans had more meaning for me than in a great while. I'm not quick to throw this verse around in a casual way as some might. For many it's become a too-casual catch all for every event of life. This verse does apply to our every circumstance, but it must be a sincere application.

Going to an emergency room because of a bad reaction to a medication seemed innocent enough....in and out...right? No way in this case. An over zealous physician on the spot decided I had had a heart attack which couldn't have been further from correct. However, in an emergency situation, when those two magic words (heart attack) are are mentioned, things go into full swing. After the events of the next three days, I got to learn first hand what all does and needs to happen when there is a suspicion of a heart event. I've now seen all of the blood tests, EKG's, medications, sonograms and yes, a heart catheterization. I found myself on a medical merry-go-round I could not get off of. I did my best to explain over and over what I had come to the hospital for, but my information fell on deaf ears.

Don't get me wrong, I was surrounded by loving, caring and dedicated people. The nursing staff and two other doctors who all came my way were blessings beyond explanation. I loved the housekeeping ladies who liked to linger in my room for chats. My nurses in the wee hours of the morning were sweet and efficient seeing to my every need. So what's the problem?...ME! I don't think I had ever been in a situation quite like this where things were moving so quickly, making little sense to me although I was perfectly conscious and aware of my surroundings. In this situation, I had NO control over my circumstances.

I'm thinking of friends of mine who at times have found themselves feeling like I did at that moment with nothing making sense in their own worlds that were spinning around them. I think of a friend suddenly widowed...a husband in seeming good health gone to heaven. I think of couples dealing with older children who seem bent in keeping parents in a constant state of fear and turmoil. I've had several friends return home from a doctor's offices after hearing news no person wants to hear...stage IV. Recently in our area, hundreds of people were affected in the worst of ways because of the fires that ravaged through the mountains and into a busy tourist town. Many lost everything...even loved ones...in just a matter of hours. That's an event those folks are still picking their way through.

Our verse speaks of “ALL things.” Just the term “all things” really doesn't give us much in the way of specifics because there are some things we feel need explained to some degree. “All things” is pretty broad...there are surely exceptions. As I was wide awake in my hospital bed after the heart cath, for the life of me, no explanations for what had just happened dawned on me in anyway. There are just some things we accept because we bottom line trust Jesus that He knows what He's doing or allowing..

Feeling a little on the down side and yes, still asking some questions, one of my sweet VERY young nurses (aren't they all) came into the room. We had done quite a bit of talking, but this time she seemed to have a determination to really speak something into my life she felt I needed in that moment. She sweetly said, “Mrs. Lanoue, I am a believer. I believe you are wise and love Jesus. You've probably taught ladies for years with God-given wisdom and I have no right to say anything spiritual in nature to you.” She then went on to sweetly explain to me how in her young life she had learned there are things that happen over which she had no understanding or control. She went on to tell me that in many of those times, she learned no matter the circumstances, she had to just trust that God always knows what He's doing and has purpose in every event of our lives.

As I was listening to her, I wondered how often I have said those same things to any number of women going through tough times. Now I had a sweet, young nurse teaching me all over again those very same things that I needed to hear, that I needed to hear from the Lord through her. In her entire medical career, she'll probably not remember that moment, but I will and more important, God will.

Sooooo, I don't have to know all the details of every circumstance that occurs in my life even when I think I know what's best at the moment. When I love my Lord, and am called to serve Him, ALL things are going to work according to His purpose and I can rest in that through Eternity.

Dear Father, forgive me for forgetting You are near, dear and working on my behalf no matter my circumstances. Forgive my humanity and may my circumstances serve as life lessons for me in future days. Thank You for Your healing touch in my life and for loving me through it ALL. In Jesus precious name.....Amen