© 2019 Bill Murphy
There are scores of songs we sing in church which herald the goodness of God: His favor, His blessings, His patience, His mercy, His care and concern for us. He opens doors that have locked us out. As Christians, we believe this to be true. But there can be a difference between believing… and experiencing His great goodness.
Carol (my wife) has a really good doctor, and this doctor’s PA is equally as amazing. They stay on top of things, and it would seem, even a step or two ahead of things! 4 years ago, a suspicious ‘spot’ appeared on Carol’s lung. Since that time it has been closely monitored.
A few weeks ago, it was discovered that this ‘spot’ had grown. And then Carol’s blood pressure began doing weird things. So, her doctor ordered additional tests. A CAT scan, a heart Cath, and also a PET scan were scheduled.
The results of the Cath were great. The others… somewhat ‘borderline’ or iffy. ‘Iffy’ is not good where your health is concerned. Carol’s doctor wanted a second opinion, so we were referred to an Oncologist in St. Louis. We spent yesterday there… and this is where the God of Glory, as Carol so aptly put it, really ‘showed out.’
She had a mid-morning appointment. The doctor’s office is located inside the huge Missouri Baptist Hospital. We were unaware that early that very morning (a Thursday) a group of on-staff doctors met (each Thursday morning) to review ‘unique’ cases. And… the Oncologist had presented Carol’s case to them… while we were still on the road to toward St. Louis. (Her records and scan images had been forwarded ahead.)
When the Oncologist saw Carol, one of the things he asked was how this mysterious ‘spot’ had been found in the first place… and Carol replied that it was discovered during a routine check-up. He was amazed, saying that they hardly ever see patients in such an early stage of ‘disease,’ and because of that, it was difficult for them, as specialists, to diagnose it!
He described the three possibilities of what this ‘spot’ might be, which ranged from ‘nothing’ to the beginning of something bad. He also explained, that because of where it was located, it would be exceedingly difficult to do a simple biopsy. He also said that to leave it alone and ‘observe it’ was taking a chance. His suggestion was… remove the offending thing soon.
Then the doctor told us that there were two doctors there at Missouri Baptist who specialize in laparoscopic surgery, and that both had been in that mornings meeting, and both suggested removing it. We agreed. Then, the doctor said he would make the arrangements. But Carol spoke up, and asked if it was possible for us to see one of these surgeons TODAY, while we were still in St. Louis. “Highly unlikely,” was the doctors reply. But, he made a call anyway, and asked.
Who call a doctor and gets an appointment the same day? Perhaps with a GP… but a specialist? Within two hours, we were sitting in the surgeons office, discussing Carol’s case! And he was so very nice and understanding, and explained everything to us… in detail. Carol’s surgery is scheduled for February 26th.
I’ve heard it told of God opening doors all of my life… and yes, I’ve had Him open some for me in the past. But I’ve never been right there, for a front row seat, to see so many doors opened so effortlessly, in such a short space of time. It was an amazing experience.
Yes, God IS great! And God IS good… just as the child’s meal-time prayer says! And just as God has the whole world in His hands… He also has Carol!
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Pen In Hand 