2/15/13- Declaring Christ's Glory in Surgery

2/15- Declaring God’s Glory in Surgery- Psalm 4:8; Psalm 119:71

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

It was good for me to be afflicted
    so that I might learn your decrees. (Psalm 119:71)

Thoughts: About 20 million Americans undergo surgery with general anesthesia each year, while another 28 million (totaling 48 million) undergo other surgeries.  It would be an oversight to think that our faith should not make any difference in how we face surgery.  Christians seek to glorify God in how they handle diversity and trials- as a witness to the world and to family of the peace and strength given in Christ.  So here are some pointers.
1) We face surgery believing that our bodies and this life are not as important as our souls that live on. 

2) We face surgery believing that God alone gives us peace and watches over us- even when the surgeon or anesthesiologist cannot. 

3) We face surgery knowing that God is the Great Physician. 

4) We face surgery knowing that God is able to make even our sorrow and weakness things that honor Him..  

5) We should pray- preparing our hearts for the surgery; asking God to guide the doctor's hand- using the talents and instruments given to them in God's sovereignty and grace. 

6) We face surgery as we face sleep- our bodies cannot necessarily stop it- but we lie down in peace because God is the one who makes us sleep in safety. 

7) We face surgery believing that whether we live through it- successfully or unsuccessfully; whether we do not live through it- our call is to glorify God. The Christian wins either way. 

Prayer: O Lord, you who healed the sick with a word, with a touch, or with medicine; bring your healing grace upon those we know and love facing surgery at this time.