Yesterday a dear friend of mine had a medical test done. Whenever we hear of a spot in any location of our body, we easily gravitate to the worst. Knowing my friend and her family, her procedure was bathed in prayer. Really…would you hear that you have a spot on, let’s say your lung, and not start thinking of the worse or would you automatically know that there are no worries? I’ve always heard, “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”
I remember when I was pregnant with my first child, Hunter, and I received a phone call at work. The nurse told me that I needed to make an appointment with an oncologist. “A who?” I asked in a state of puzzlement. “A cancer specialist,” she replied. I vividly recall me standing in the teacher’s lounge, phone to the ear, jaw dropping, and eyes well up with tears. (She said more, but after the words cancer specialist, I could not remember a thing.) I automatically thought of the worst. I called my husband right away. We collected our thoughts. I called the doctor’s office back for a recap of our conversation so that I had more details about the situation. Prayer was definitely a huge factor in making it through this situation.
Praise God, in my friend’s test yesterday, and my scare almost seventeen years ago, cancer was not found. I’ve always had issues and medical treatments done throughout my life that have prepared me for the worst (tumors on ovaries that led to my right ovary being removed at the age of eighteen, biopsies done several times in other areas, etc.), but I always hoped for the best.
In Proverbs 21:31 I’m reminded that God is in control. This verse says, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” (NIV) I like how The Message reads, “Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust God to bring victory.” Can I get an “amen”? AMEN!
A job interview, a test at school, a medical test, an intervention, war, whatever the task or situation is before you, I would think that you didn’t just walk in without a plan and just do it.
If you want that job bad enough, you’ve probably prepared your resume’, become familiar with the company, and practiced your interviewing skills. When you have a test at school, you’ve most likely acquired knowledge on the subject and studied for the exam. You have a friend or loved one that needs some intervening in the life. I’d feel confident to say that you didn’t just “wing-it” on what you were going to say to them. You prayed, thought things through, and possibly included others in the process. Countries spend endless hours preparing men and women for battle. These brave soldiers aren’t just dropped in a war zone without any training. There is a plan in place.
So remember…Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, but…TRUST IN GOD TO BRING THE VICTORY!
This victory may not be what we expect. God may have another plan for our ending. But if my situation will lead others to Christ, to God be the glory!
Have a blessed day filled with hope, preparedness, and trust.
September 5, “Walking in the Word”
