Not Always an Outpatient Experience

Our adventures today remind me of how flexible and ready for life's unexpected twists and turns we must be.


Thankfully we have hope and a Holy strength to help us through these unexpected circumstances or bumps.


Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 
    for his compassions never fail. 
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. 
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; 
    therefore I will wait for him.”

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him; 
 it is good to wait quietly 
    for the salvation of the Lord. 
Lamentations 3:22- 26

Do you remember 
Gumby? 


Anytime I think of this flexible and always bending figure I am inspired and think of Barnabas, "Son of Encouragement" from the Bible.






"Whenever Christ's sufferings are multiplied in us, 
so also is His comfort. The greater the suffering, 
the greater the comfort from Christ, 
and the greater the ability to share suffering 
and consolation with others in the church." 
Martin G. Collins, Forerunner 1999
Read more about Barnabas: http://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/ARTB/k/158/Barnabas-Son-of-Encouragement-Consolation.htm#ixzz22955h8Ao

Barnabas was "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith". He is our modern day "Gumby". 


"He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." 
Acts 11:24

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At moments in our life we will venture into the operating room of life expecting a quick and routine outpatient procedure BUT God has other plans. 

Instead of being delivered to recovery and then en route home in three hours, you are still on the operating table with their heart and vulnerability exposed for those around you to see. 

While at the time this might be painful and difficult to bear, it is possible and sometimes necessary. We might not see the value but God does, we need to trust His way is true and His plan perfect.


Later the same day, the next morning, or many years in the future we will feel the peace, healing, and growth experienced because of this temporary trouble. After the fact we will be stronger, more dedicated, and more focused on the One responsible for it all. 

Only in God's strength, grace, mercy, and compassion will we endure these trials of life. I'm grateful I have Him as my rock to uphold me when I feel like crumbling.

Today did not go as planned. We expected a quick and routine procedure at the hospital but instead our loved one required more. It might hurt today yet I anticipate by morning, the freedom and healing will begin. 

I might not like to see those I love in pain yet know God only works for good so I trust Him to heal in His time. I pray it is quick and sufficient.

Have you ever experienced an outpatient experience in life that turned into extensive surgery? 

Would you share one with us? It might be a change in career, address, or something completely different. It might be an actual surgery. 

What is the silver lining to your story? 

Will you encourage another today by sharing your heart and hope?