The Beginning – The Middle – The Victory
It’s a process. You and I both know the drill. The beginning when the crisis initially occurs, and the deliberations ensue on how best to make it through. Then there’s the middle when we pray, hope, and stand strong – doing our best to do what we can to make it through. Then there’s the finale aka the victory when at last we see the light at the end of the tunnel. And, how grateful we are that the light isn’t a train barreling down to run over us!
THE BEGINNING — one year ago, February, 2021. One of my dear Tulsa friends, Becky Holder, was diagnosed with a “diseased heart”. At first, it seemed that a pacemaker might resolve the issues, but a few weeks later in March, it was realized that she needed a heart transplant. In the interim, her heart received assistance from a device that helped her heart pump because it couldn’t do all the work itself.
THE MIDDLE — Becky went through rigorous and grueling months of tests and treatments and blood transfusions. She and her family played the “waiting game” for a match for a heart transplant. But, right there in the middle – it wasn’t only the procedures and treatments and in-hospital care. Right there amidst so much medical activity, there were a host of believers praying and, an on-guard group of women who were trusting in God’s miracle-working power, who stood in the gap with their prayers and support DAILY.
I’m still talking about “The Middle”. “The Middle” was when Becky penned these words: “I will never give up on a miracle. I know the Divine Physician is ultimately, and always in control, even when He is working through these excellent doctors. The Bible verse I’m holding onto with great faith is Mark 5:41, “He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha Koum,” which means, “Little girl I say to you, Arise!” Jesus said, “Take up your Cross and follow me.” So that is what I am doing. In loving obedience to my Father, I will take up my little piece of the Cross and follow. He sees the big picture and is in control of every detail. The wood of the Cross is my source of strength.”
THE VICTORY – the ENDING (well, not really an ending, but an ongoing life of faith until we all step over to our EVER AFTER). But, for this instance…..it was a miracle of God’s grace and mercy when a donor’s heart matched and Becky made it through a successful heart transplant.
Here we are one year later, and Becky is back at work. Perhaps you are struggling in your “middle” today. Pray. Act in faith and determination. Trust our Sovereign God “in the middle” when He is working for our good. Becky lived through “The Middle” and writes about it in her recent and final “Caring Bridge” post.
“It has been a year since this crazy journey started!! On February 7, 2021, I was having surgery to have a pacemaker put in. Now, one year later, with new and old friends and countless prayers, here we are on the other side. It doesn’t seem possible. I am back at home and back at work. All my tests continue to show “no rejection” and all my lab counts are good. Since this is most likely the last post, please let me thank all of you again for your prayers and support. Words fail to express all that I want to express. You truly were the driving force behind this miracle. Please don’t ever doubt the power of your prayers. God hears every word.
Lastly, this year has taught me more about God’s love for me than I could have ever thought possible. I’ve always known I belonged to Him but being in a place where I had no choice but to surrender everything to Him puts it in a different perspective. I see His hand over all of it. All I had to do was hold up my heart to Him and let Him pour out His love and grace over it. I learned the beautiful gift of being receptive and open to all he had to give. To take what He gives and give what He takes with a smile.”
If you’re in your beginning, or middle expecting your breakthrough any moment, trust in He Who holds you close through every stage. “Hold on, my Child, joy comes in the morning!” (Psalm 30:5)