Not Our Will, But God’s

Not Our Will, But God’s

Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. 1 John 3:21-22

I examined Scott’s CT scan results one more time before opening the exam room door. The report showed renal cell carcinoma—one of the most ominous and aggressive cancers known to man. The only hope for a cure was complete surgical removal of the kidney.

I broke the news to him as gently as I could, and then together we discussed the treatment plan. “Your right kidney needs to come out as soon as we can get your surgery scheduled. As long as it hasn’t spread, I would expect you to live a long and full life with your remaining kidney.” Scott took the news as bravely as any man could. Then he asked me to pray with him.

A few weeks later, Scott had the surgery. Afterward, the oncology urologist called me with the verdict. It was mixed news. The next day while on rounds, I stopped by Scott’s room to deliver the report. “Great news,” I said. “The surgeon didn’t see any metastatic disease. However, he did see a cyst on the left kidney that warrants watching.”

I watched as Scott slowly took in the news. If there was cancer on his left kidney, he would have to have it removed as well. He knew that he couldn’t live without any kidneys, and the chances of getting a donor kidney weren’t very good.

He slowly nodded his head and then looked at me and said, “Do you remember when we prayed before my surgery? What did you say at the end of your prayer?”

I remembered because it’s something I say at the end of all my prayers: “Lord, not our will, but yours be done.”

“Then we’ll leave it to him,” Scott said. I’ll come in for my visits and get my tests done, but from now on it’s in God’s hands.”

Scott found comfort and confidence in trusting God’s will. As I write this, it has been six months, and the cyst has remained stable. Scott shows no signs of cancer, and he shows no signs of worry. He is leaving the end result to God.

TODAY’S RX

Are you worrying about something? Stop and tell God that you trust his will for you.

God, ease my mind of worry today, and let me find rest in you. Your promises are what I cling to in times of confusion and doubt. Help me to trust in your timing for my life.