“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 2011)

Early in our lives, we may have heard words like “Mother knows best” or “Father knows best”. As we grow up, it is normal that, more and more, we start to feel that we know best.

During this time of living with a pandemic, it has changed things considered normal. Many of us are being forced to consider the sanctity of life. We must give serious consideration to the fact that our heavenly Father controls the length of time that we have here on earth. In that regard, I had a personal experience that amazed me.

In May 2015, my wife had major surgery that required the insertion of a feeding tube directly into her stomach. During June, despite the best efforts of experienced doctors, leakage of stomach acid continued to cause third-degree burns on her abdomen.

Sent home with a forecast that she had only days to live, we continued to keep her as comfortable as possible. The doctors said that nothing more could be done and that the leakage would never stop.

During this time, our granddaughter visited while on a break from her medical studies in Scotland. When told what the doctors had said, she commented, “What do they know? They’re only doctors! Only God knows when Grandma is going to heaven!”

On a Saturday in August, the leakage was particularly severe and my daughter and I decided to call the doctor on Monday and ask for the removal of the tube, which would stop the leakage pain, although it would accelerate her death.

But God had different plans!

When I awoke on Sunday morning, the leakage had stopped. What the doctors had told us was impossible had became a reality. The feeding tube remained in place, and she lived for 14 more months, not just days as the doctors had forecast.

While she had many problems and strong pain during that time, she was amazing in her ministry to me, our family, the healthcare helpers, the medical staff, and all who visited.

Obviously, that August Saturday night, God decided that my wife’s ministry wasn’t finished, and that He wanted her to stay for more months to continue that ministry.

God knows best!

Now in the time of this pandemic, you and I might both be wondering what is going to happen with so many things beyond our control.

The advice given in today’s verse is so timely. When we place our trust in the One who truly knows best, we are safe, no matter what happens!

Prayer: Dear Father, we are so thankful that You know what is best, especially when we are confused and wondering what is going to happen next. Help us to share Your love with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author’s permission