Learning

When Plans Change, Part 2

“You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you.” Job 22:28 (NLT) 

 

Sitting in the waiting room during Larry’s MRI, thoughts swirl in my head….” Well, God it looks like the trip I was so excited about is not going to happen.” The words slipped out of my mouth. I did not even bother to look around to see if anyone heard me talking to myself. Being concerned about what others think was the last thing on my mind. At that moment, my disappointment and Larry’s MRI results was all that mattered.  

Slowly, I opened the devotionals I bought to read during the wait. Two scriptures appeared: 

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4 (NLT). 

“God, you know I really wanted to go on that trip. I looked forward to just sitting and looking at the water enjoying family and friends. I counted on Larry fishing with Joe. I counted on being away from appointments and diagnoses. God, now, I feel tired, and I feel like crying. But, in my heart, I know Larry’s health must come first.” I sigh and read the next scripture: 

“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.”  Hebrews 13:15 (NLT) 

 

“God, I have to be honest. I don’t feel like praising. No trip. Possible surgery.”  I know I should meet this situation with praise.  But, I don’t feel it. “God, I know we are still so blessed. But I need You to help me with this.” I close my eyes, take a deep breath; breathe in and out. Nothing comes. After a few inhales and exhales, a barely audible .. “I praise You God” slips out. Then, slowly, “God, thank You, the doctors are getting to us so quickly…. Thank You, Larry is still walking…. Thank You, we have excellent medical insurance and provisions…. Thank You, we can see, talk, breathe freely…. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Praise Your Holy Name.” 

The MRI results are ready. We see Larry’s neurosurgeon tomorrow, September 3rd. 

God, I trust You.  You know me inside and out, so I will not make excuses for my disappointment.  I thank You for sending me guidance through Your scriptures. Thank You for putting praise in my mouth when I do not feel it.  So, I praise You, when praise is a struggle. I praise You, in the middle of  disappointments.  I praise You,  when fear steps in.  I praise You.  

Slowly, the disappointment fades, replaced by gratitude that this happened now before our 3000-mile trip.   

 

God, thank You. You know my disappointments, my struggles, my shortcomings. You give me love, guidance, support, and provisions above and beyond. Praise Your Holy Name. 

 

 

2 Comments

  • Lola McNeal

    Thanks Mary for transparency. I truly can relate. The last three weeks I have been flooded with the care and concerns of many love ones and friends. The only thing I can do is faithfully pray for them but at times I felt as if I fail them. The problems are constantly coming but answers are not.
    Thank you for the scriptures….

    1Thessalonians 5:16-18
    Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
    Giving thanks is a way of letting go of the things in your life. Letting go is a choice. It’s a way of lifting up your hands to God and looking to Him instead.
    Love you, Lola

    • Mary Chever-Watson

      Lola, thank you so much. God is so amazing; even when we feel we fall short, He’s there to pick up where we left off. You are so right, giving thanks and letting go is a choice. One that I pray I continue no matter how difficult things appear to be. I believe you are touching everyone you are called to support in ways you may not be able to see. But, God sees all you do. And, you are making a difference. Again, thanks so much for your inspirational words and for the scripture. Love you too!

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