Tough Decisions

A few days ago a close (and relatively young) friend phoned to say he was at the hospital pondering an urgent decision and an impending procedure. Abnormalities from an EKG raised concerns about his heart, and the doctor wanted to do a pulmonary artery catheterization—a common cardio procedure to analyze the heart’s blood flow. Obviously concerned, he said he didn’t know what to do. I asked him what his major concern was, and he noted how routine procedures can strangely go awry and wind up being fatal. I sought to offer him this comfort:

“First, your ‘business is already fixed.’ You know the Lord and have trusted Him for eternity. That means whether you live or die, your family’s fate and future is in His hand. Be at peace with that! Second, you’ve got two risks before you—(1) this procedure that could possibly resolve any doubt about your heart health and your doctor’s concerns, and (2) the risk of not undergoing the procedure and living every moment hereafter wondering if the next beat of your heart will be your last. The worry associated with the latter of these options can be more damaging to your physical, mental, and spiritual health than you may be able to bear. Third, with prayerful dialogue from your family, make this a joint-decision honoring their wise Godly counsel, and trusting God when you’re through.” At that, I asked him if any of it—the information I had just shared—was helpful. He replied, “Very!” The doctors were soon beckoning him to a pre-op conference as a decision needed to be made. I quickly asked him if we could pray. He graciously consented and we went to God for direction, protection, and peace.

Eight hours later (around 8:30 p.m. that evening), my home phone rang. It was one of his members and a trusted friend calling to report he made it safely through the procedure and was being released within the hour. His heart was in excellent condition and functioning superbly. I thanked the caller, thanked God, and we joyfully hung up the phone.

We are often faced with critical and potentially life-changing situations that require of us instantaneous decisions which may catch us unprepared. Time, at those moments, may not be our friend, and a pressing choice might need to be made. Don’t wait until you’re faced with such a crisis. Make sure your business is fixed now. Jesus will settle it for you without a doubt. Discuss your options with others you know and love (and who love you). Finally, pray about it, make a choice, and trust God in it. In fact, it’s what we all do everyday. Live or die, we have to trust God to pull us through!

Blessings on you today!

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