Fear threatens to prevail. The glimpse of something out of our comfort zones grows as the image seems to be scrutinized closer. Like looking close up at an everyday object under a microscope. It looks scary.
Three weeks ago, I faced another surgery to fix more broken parts of my body. Almost a month ago, my life as I knew it drastically changed in a car accident. So much needed restoration. The immediate surgeries fixed broken bones. Recovery ensued but was stifled. My lung capacity was hindered because of a deflated lung. I realize now how much we use our lungs for everything.
When the doctors announced I needed thoracic surgery, I felt fear creep in. My body had been through enough. Why can’t there be another way? They also mentioned it would be painful. The word stuck to my soul like glue.
I spent the weekend praying and trying to keep fear at bay. Maybe my lung would miraculously reinflate. I tried to hold onto that thought. But Saturday, the doctor confirmed the Monday surgery. Fear threatened to prevail. How do you find peace in the face of circumstances that involve risk and pain?
God speaks into them. As I was staring at the scary close up image in my mind, God was telling me to zoom out. To see the big picture. And it changed everything.I found out my thoracic surgeon is a brilliant, young, and passionate physician. Her skill set is part of her divinely created being. Her calling is restoration. But in order for that to be fulfilled, she needs people in need of fixing. That is me.
As I zoomed out of the close up scary visual seen through the lens of my mind, I saw a different picture emerge. One involving the sacred nature of relationships and the thankful recognition that our lives intersected at this exact moment. It is the unfolding of God’s handiwork. And it is good.
So I surrendered to that epiphany. Refusing to let fear prevail. Instead, I clung to hope in a God who creates, sees, and redeems. Always making things new. We can face the uncomfortable places because there is always a bigger view. And even if it’s scary, it is good.
67Leah Kaihoi Everson, Kimberly Fenske Hofstra and 65 others22 CommentsLikeCommentShare
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