"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." Romans 8:28
She awoke and eased off her hospital bed. Her sore body ached all the more from another night away from her own bed. She gently stretched and made her way around the room glancing out the windows and thankful for a beautiful morning. Simple little pleasures like morning anew were now in greater focus than ever before. She was eager to take a walk outside, but for now the hospital halls would have to do.
She slipped her feet into her new pair of cozy slippers.
As she made her way to the door, her reflection in the mirror stopped her. For a moment, she had forgotten about them. About it. But they were there nonetheless reminding her of the battle she was fighting.
Bandages.
Freshly wrapped. Covering what still remained unseen. She froze in fear, pulling her robe aside, wondering what successful would really look like. The words her surgeon whispered kindly echoed through her mind. "Everything was successful.... now rest."
Rest.
She glanced at her hospital bed. Although her gaze changed, her thoughts did not. The unknown road ahead consumed her thoughts. Her sore body would heal. Wounds would turn to scars. Bandages would come off. Successful would be seen. Visible to her..... visible to her husband. Treatment. Tests. Scans. Waiting... endless waiting. Fear. Unknowns.
She found herself glancing out the window again. The beautiful morning that beckoned her gratitiude was now dim as she was sinking in her own thoughts. She sat on the edge of her bed, and only felt numb.
Reaching up, she pressed the dial turning off her car radio.
The noise was too much this morning. Talk show small talk was the last thing on her mind. Her friend remained at the forefront of her thoughts for the past several days. Not speaking with her directly made everything worse. Her husband said she was doing well, but how was she really doing? How was she really feeling?
She parked her car and headed for the elevator.
She pressed the elevator button, knowing she needed to regain perspective for the day. "Lord," she prayed, "Thank you for this day. Thank you for life. I know you are in control of all things, and work everything together for the good of those who love you. Help my friend believe that today. Replace all her deepest fears with a deeper trust in You. Heal her body, and heal her fears. I love you Lord, give us both strength this day. Amen."
Heaven touched the earth in that place.
In her hospital room, her friend blinked rapidly, regaining focus on the beautiful morning. The spirit of fear the loosened it's grip on her, and moved on to find another to numb. She fastened her robe across her sore body and stood up. She raised her chin up at bit, feeling a little lighter than before as she thought again about the long road ahead. "Just today," she resolved. "Just today." Her thoughts were interrupted with a knock at the door.
"You have some company."
Her friend walked in. Extending an arm for a hug, she walked over and held her friends head as she rested it on her shoulder. "I'm so glad to see you...." she whispered through the emotion in her throat.
And the healing tears began to fall.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
