Reaching

Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (ESV)

I thank God for the knowledge that He has given to, and the wisdom that He has enabled for, those in the medical profession.

A few weeks ago, my wife was in hospital for a minor operation. I did not like being there. This is rather strange, considering what God has said and done to bless us when we have been there on previous occasions.

I guess it betrays how little my faith has truly penetrated down from my brain to live in my heart. The world gets in and impedes the process, because I like to be the one in control. I do not do bravado convincingly, which any turn on a fast fairground ride will show — much to my wife's amusement when we were courting!

As we waited for her to go to the operating theatre, previous memories came flooding back, and I let the fear of the "what ifs" tie a knot in my stomach.

As I reached out to God in prayer, a picture formed in my mind. It was of a child in an imaginary cubicle nearby. The child was afraid and upset. As I looked more intently, I became aware that Jesus stood there with this child. Suddenly, it was me standing there, just the two of us, so I prayed for Jesus' authority to minister. As I reached out and touched this child to convey His peace, the warmth of His presence washed through me.

I became quite emotional as I realized that the child in the picture was in reality me! As His presence washed through me, the blockage between my head and my heart was removed. I knew God was there with us.

God is always with His people, wherever that may be, and whatever the outcome; we just have to believe and trust Him.

Prayer: Lord, we are mortified that we find ourselves once more knowing, but not trusting in, Your great love and care. Be with us today, and grant us not only the knowledge of Your love and kingdom, but also the wisdom to realize it in us and among those to whom You take us today. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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