Medical Emergency

 by Macy Johnson

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,

for in you my soul takes refuge.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings

until the disaster has passed.”

(Psalm 57:1 NIV)

 

I woke up Monday morning in the campground with cramps in my abdomen. My inflamed appendix did not put a damper on my day with my husband and granddaughter. We kayaked and swam on Clarks Hill Lake. I woke up at midnight in pain. We arrived at the emergency room near my home at 3 am, and I was transported six hours later to a hospital ninety minutes away. My thoughts were, “Lord, if it is your will, please help me get through this.”

 

Tuesday afternoon’s laparoscopic appendectomy was successful. Wednesday morning I was released to return to the campsite to go home on Thursday.

 

The morning after surgery I walked the halls of the hospital with Garrett. We chatted about his medical studies and the conversation quickly turned to his faith. His father was a pastor of a local church. I encouraged Garrett and used the opportunity to let the love of Jesus pour over him.

 

On the seventh night after surgery I experienced normal sleep. God gave me the vision of sleeping in His hand. I was able to rest peacefully, knowing He is in control and is intimately aware of what we are going through.

 

My husband and I recently watched a documentary on the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster. It gave me a fresh, new perspective on danger, disaster, and death. God reminded me that we must go through difficult times in order to help others on their journey in this life.

 

I will call on the name of Jesus and trust Him to lead me through the valley of the shadow of death. I hope you will, too!