Simon and Garfunkel sang the song "Bridge Over Troubled Water." That song popped into my head today as I spoke with a friend about upcoming heart surgery tomorrow. It is easy to understand the value of medical treatment to correct existing illnesses, but there is also a bit of trepidation when one enters into surgery. This is especially true for issues dealing with the heart. It can be like a bridge over troubled water.
A bridge over a river or over a canyon gives us passage from one side to the other. However, certain questions can go through our minds as we are crossing. Is the bridge structurally sound? Will the height cause me to become disoriented and scared? What will I face once I get across to the other side?
Going through surgery raises some of the same questions. Is the surgeon competent and is all of the medical equipment functioning correctly? Will the fear of surgery and anesthesiology hamper my ability to endure what lies ahead? What do I face in regard to recovery once the surgery is over? These are all valid questions and concerns.
We never know for certain what each day holds for us, but we can be certain of Who holds us. We are in the hands of Almighty God. Going through surgery can be a bit scary, but wrapped in a blanket of prayer we can confidently go forward knowing and trusting that we are securely in the hands of our God.
The chancery staff gathers each day for prayer just before we head off to lunch. It is a powerful few minutes where we hold people up in prayer who have requested us to do so. Today, my friend was among that group of people securely placed in the hands of the Father. The bridge over troubled water will stay strong. The doctor, the nurses, the anesthesiologist, and any other person involved in the treatment or care of my friend has been lifted up in prayer. We have made our prayer in faith to God, the Father, through Jesus Christ, His Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We now walk in trust.