Monday, December 7, 2009

By God's Grace and for His Glory

By God’s grace, He allowed me to travel and visit a precious friend in the hospital who had surgery last week. What I saw is amazing witness for God’s glory.

Things did not go as hoped and prayed for, but God is in control of all circumstances. Mary’s spirit is strong and she trusts completely in God and what He is doing in and through her life.

A portion of the surgery was not as successful as hoped. They planned to remove all the cancer, but they found some more cancer. She’s been advised she has an aggressive type of cancer. She will be taking six rounds of chemo after being released from the hospital over the next four months. Her recovery time will be much longer than hoped.

The plastic surgeon, who claimed he never had a case fail, is disappointed in the results for he is used to success. Charles, Mary’s husband, informed me the plastic surgeon came to them and apologized. The surgeon doesn’t understand why this happened to them because they are good people. The surgeon said he had patients so mean and the surgery worked, but Charles and Mary are good people. This surgeon lamented with Charles and Mary over what appears to be a failure. Yet, Charles had the opportunity to sit down with this surgeon and explain to him about the Lord, Jesus and that things work out quoting Romans 8:28.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Charles and Mary are praying for the salvation of this doctor and thanking God for the opportunity to witness to him. He visits Mary more often than the standard protocol.

Also, the Lord has sent ministering servants to Charles for he is with Mary alone without family or friends. Christian people he does not know have come to visit him. Yet the bond of fellowship is strong from the people the Lord sent. It was encouraging to hear how the Lord looks after His people as He sent men to Charles to encourage and refresh his spirit and pray with them while at the hospital.

Today Charles and Mary will learn when she will be released to come home. It is a testimony of faith to see the couple who loves the Lord, praising Him for opportunities in the midst of pain. Never once did I hear my friend cry, “Why God?” By God’s grace, Mary is facing her trial with strength and dignity with the glory of the Lord all over her.

I’m thankful I got to hear and witness the testimony from Charles and Mary in the midst of this trial. By God’s grace and for His glory, I trust the Lord has some mighty plans for their lives when they pass this test.

Prayers for Mary, Charles and the salvation of the doctor are appreciated.

6 gracious comments:

Leah Adams said...

I have tried 3 times to leave this comment. Seems Satan doesn't want me to leave it.

Praise the Lord for such a marvelous testimony. Even in the midst of our suffering we are to praise Him and point others to Him. I only hope that I will always be a bright light for Him and point others to Him. thanks for sharing this, Shonda. It was so encouraging.

Leah

KrippledWarrior said...

We are to praise God in all things. Not for all things. A believer has no reason to ask why.
Merry Christmas.

Cherdecor said...

What a wonderful testimony of the Lord giving this couple His grace! Even while going through tough times, they are faithful in their witness to the doctor and to others. They are godly people of whom this world is not worthy. God bless them!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing couple! I am sending prayers their way and to the doctor.

Connie Arnold said...

Thank you for sharing your post about the beautiful faith and witness of your friends, Shonda. It's a great reminder that God can use us to touch others through our suffering.

Prayingmedic said...

Thanks for the post - an awesome testimony to God.

Dave

(Mobileintensiveprayerunit.blogspot.com)