Four years ago today, I had aortic heart valve replacement and aneurysm repair. I’m happy to say I did very well with the surgery and was back on my feet in a few weeks! While no one wants to experience open heart surgery, I found the promise of Romans 8:28 to be very true in my life.

In Romans 8:28, the Apostle Paul says “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.” (emphasis mine)

Open heart surgery is not what I would call “good” but God used it in my life for THE good.   The days and months before surgery had been stressful and rushed with a job change and a little too much on my plate. I love to read and study the Bible but much of my time in His Word, prior to surgery, was in preparation for a lesson or homework for a Bible study. All good things but, in addition to my family and daily responsibilities, had left me a bit burned out. Quite honestly,  I was a bit resentful and pouty! But while I was home recuperating post surgery, I was able to rest and had ample time to spend in His Word. I had nowhere to go and really no one to see so I was able to ponder Scripture unrushed and without agenda.

There may be circumstances in your life right now that you just can’t see as “good”. But consider God’s promise in Romans. You can trust that whatever your “it” is, He has it in his hands and something good will come from it. God’s ultimate purpose for His children is for us to become more like His Son Christ and he uses the good and bad in our lives to reach this purpose!

I am thankful for a successful surgery and a healthy heart!  God healed my body but He also fed my soul. Just as God provided provision for the burned out Prophet Elijah, he provided bread and rest for me.

And that sweet friend is THE GOOD.

My list of “the good” –

1. healing
2. rest
3. a new perspective of God’s faithfulness
4. time for unrushed Bible pondering
5. a new awareness of friend’s love and care
6. special time with my mom
7. a new heart valve
8. opportunities to encourage other heart valve patients
9. time to slow down and recharge
10. a new motivation for sharing God’s Word with others

Challenge – make a list of the “good” from your own trials and praise God for his goodness, faithfulness, and love!

James 1:2-4 New International Version (NIV)

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.