He’s a Good, Good Father - Girlfriends in God - October 21, 2019

October 21, 2019
He’s a Good, Good Father
Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. They are the people He called, because that was His plan (Romans 8:28, NCV).

Friend to Friend

The day of my surgery had finally come … and I was more than ready to have my separated shoulder repaired. Dan and I got to the hospital right on time … and began the tedious process of checking in. If you have ever had any kind of surgery, you know the routine.

I filled out several page of paper work and answered about a thousand questions. The nurse then clipped that oh-so-lovely plastic bracelet on my wrist to make sure the doctor did the right surgery on the right person. Actually, I was just fine with that step.

And then we waited … and waited until one of the surgical nurses called my name. She took me back to the surgical area where I was given a beautiful gown that tied in the back, exposing body parts I would rather not be exposed. I hopped up on the stretcher and began another familiar process – the medical interrogation.

What was my name and birthday?

Had I eaten or drunk anything since midnight?

Had I taken the right medications that morning?

Did I have any removable parts to mention?

You know. The medical shake down that precedes every surgery. I know it is imperative that they ask those questions and that they get the correct answers, or the surgical preparation comes to a screeching halt. I have been known to throw a wrong answer out to lighten the mood. It worked for me. For the nurses – not so much.

And then we got down to serious business. The IV is inserted. At that point, I always thank God for the drugs that put me to sleep and make me oblivious to the barbaric things the doctor is doing.

But prior to this surgery, I learned something new. I noticed that every time one of the nurses came in, she swiped her nameplate over the face of a machine I had never seen before. When I asked what they were doing, the nurse explained, “This machine identifies me as your nurse.” When I thought that was the coolest thing ever, she smiled and said, “That’s right. No one can get to you without going through me!”

Bam!

Peace flooded my heart. I knew my Father was reminding me that all was well. Nothing and no one can get to me without going through Him. Nothing touches our lives without His permission.

Now I know what you are thinking. Yes, there are bad and even horrific things that pummel our lives, knocking us to our knees. Life. Is. Hard. But here’s the thing. We do not have to face one storm, one trial, one pain … without Jesus. And He will take what the enemy meant for evil and use it for good.

I can make a list of things that I would rather have not experienced.

An alcoholic father

Being molested as a teenager

Struggling with infertility

Battling depression for most of my life

Living in constant back pain caused by Scoliosis, stenosis, degenerative disc disease and arthritis

But I can also make a list of how God has used every one of those things for my good and His glory. I don’t always understand or even like His plan for my life, but I would not trade it for the life of anyone else. He’s a good, good Father … all of the time! And I take great comfort in knowing that I am His child, His daughter – loved and chosen, wanted and cherished by God Himself. And no one can get to me without going through Him.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for loving me with a love beyond human understanding. I admit that I cannot comprehend the fact that I am your chosen child, and that You love me unconditionally. I rest in the truth that You are always with me and for me.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

What trial or struggle have you endured that ultimately showed you the goodness of God? How has that realization changed your perspective of God at work in your life?

More from the Girlfriends

Mary seemed to have it all until clinical depression brought her world crashing down. She found herself paralyzed and unable to function at home or in ministry. Experience Mary's story of deliverance through her book, Hope in the Midst of Depression. Check out Mary’s new blog! And be sure to connect with her on Facebook or through email.

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