We looked forward to August 1st with great
excitement, for it was the day that Peter, my cardiologist was to give me my
final release. I was feeling great, and must admit I liked hearing how well I
looked and was doing, but it was his words that would allow us to come home. So
my prayer was simple, that he would have to look at the scars to believe I had
had open heart surgery. A big request from a man who only three weeks earlier
had to be taught to swallow, and couldn't lift a spoon to feed himself. Who had
no regimen for rehab, just keeping me alive was the regimen. Whose wife had
stayed by his side every step of the way, and been through more than I had. Who
had faced death, but not alone. A lot to ask, but remember who my God
is.
It was five weeks after my surgery, and we were
greeted by Dr. Mayberry, whose opening line was, "if it wasn't for the picc
lines, I never would have known you had surgery!" Prayer answered, another
miracle. And Peter echoed the same thoughts. This from a man who said the
three words that best described me were "dead, dead, dead." But it got better,
as after my examination, I was released to drive, and to resume a normal life.
No restrictions, just an improved diet. What usually takes months, had taken
days or weeks. God's healing schedule was far superior. Peter is a great
surgeon, but I had the greatest physician-Jesus. Amazing. He even commented to
me, how God had brought me this far, keep up the good work. And I only needed
to be checked every six months! But I still had to wait to ride, because of
being on Coumadin, and he was afraid if I fell I would bleed to death. Another
month! I can remember when I thought I would never ride again!
But God's healing was still miraculous to me, on
many levels. It was only after we got home and people saw I wasn't in a
wheelchair, I could walk, and saw my scar that God showed me one evening His
love in a special way. I had picked up my cross and followed Him during this
whole event, and He told me to continue following Jesus, never losing sight of
the cross. Very few had seen what I had endured, and we neglect to see what
Jesus endured for us. As Christians, we like to go straight to the empty tomb,
but the victory was won at the cross. And we don't want to visit there, because
it was horrible what Jesus endured for us. He reminded me NO Easter without
Good Friday. And I still had to carry my cross and follow, which I did going
way beyond faith, but had done by obedience. I trusted God with no
reservations, and still do. He is my savior and the gospel I live, not my own
when the situations fit my plans. One man had told me I had walked through the
Valley of the Shadow of Death, and was amazed when I told him no, I had been
carried through the Valley!
And an aspect of prayer I would like you to
consider. WE heard from people all over the world, and from friends we had lost
contact with for over 25 years. They all were praying. Amazing. But the neat
thing was this had all happened so fast, that even before we could pray, or ask
for prayer, God had set everything in motion. He later told me He had people
pray for me, so they could be part off my miraculous healing-a chance for Him to
show His love and greatness, and them to be blessed. This whole thing was not
about us, but about Jesus Christ-never think different.
As you read the New Testament, Jesus healed many
people. He dealt with them on a spiritual level, but always gave them something
physical to show people the difference. To remind them. I deal with many who
have scars that don't show, but never lead them to anyone without the nail scars
in His hands. My scar-all 12 inches and 26 staples is there to show how far I
have come, or better yet how far Jesus has taken me. The attached image is the
day after surgery. I wear my scar with great joy, as it was paid for with a
price, and a love that no man can offer. I am a miracle-not an invalid.
Trust God today. Hear His voice and obey.
Never put down your cross. Celebrate the Good Friday you may be enduring.
Easter is coming, and it is all the more precious when you celebrate with the
one who is the reason-Jesus Christ. Let Him show you His hands-then
decide.
Tomorrow the people God used to be and bring His
miracles. Looks like I will be riding within two weeks!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com