“You’ve passed a kidney stone! I think we got them all,” my doctor said with confidence. These are very welcome words to anyone who has suffered from kidney stones.
However, I was still uncertain and asked, “Are you sure?”
She assured me, “Definitely.”
On my way out of the hospital, my brother Michael called with sad news: our uncle had passed away. Since our father had died several years earlier, and I was the oldest child, I felt it was my responsibility to attend the funeral. After talking it over with my wife, I reluctantly bought an airline ticket. For my accommodations, I chose to stay with my brother Kenneth and his wife, as their home was always a place of peace and comfort for me.
I drove to the airport, checked in, and waited to board my flight. Once on the plane, I selected a window seat in the middle section, hoping for a quiet journey. With a four-hour flight ahead, I was looking forward to resting without interruption. After we taxied to the runway and received clearance, the plane took off and climbed into the sky.
But about fifteen to thirty minutes after takeoff, I began to feel an intense pain in my side, just like a kidney stone trying to make its way through. The pain quickly became unbearable, and with no medication to help, I knew I would have to endure it for the remaining three and a half hours of the flight. When I finally arrived at Kenneth’s house, I greeted my sister-in-law, took an aspirin, and went straight to bed. My brothers Michael and Dion stopped by, knowing I was in town, but they were told I was unwell and sleeping.
But about fifteen to thirty minutes after takeoff, I began to feel intense pain in my side—just like a kidney stone trying to make its way through. The pain quickly became unbearable, and with no medication to help, I knew I would have to endure it for the remaining three and a half hours of the flight. When I finally arrived at Kenneth’s house, I greeted my sister-in-law, took an aspirin, and went straight to bed. My brothers, Michael and Dion, stopped by because they knew I was in town, but they were told I wasn’t feeling well and was asleep.
The next day was the funeral. Kenneth, his wife, and I attended, choosing to sit in the back since I was still feeling ill. I was too sick to walk up and view our uncle’s body. Michael, unaware of how poorly I felt, asked if I would serve as a pallbearer, but I had to decline. After the burial, the extended family gathered to catch up and reminisce, but we didn’t join them. Instead, we returned home, where I tried to rest as much as possible for the remainder of my stay. When I eventually returned home, I went to see my doctor right away, and she confirmed that I had passed another kidney stone.
During my prayers that day, I wondered what part God had in this trip. Why hadn’t He closed the door for me to go knowing I hadn’t passed all the stones?
A few days later, my brother Kenneth called to let me know that Michael, Dion, and all the other family members who had gathered after the funeral contracted COVID. I was stunned by the news and felt an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude—I wanted to shout with joy through the phone. I thanked God for His protection and for watching over me during this difficult time. Although the situation was difficult, the timing proved beneficial for keeping me from a greater and longer illness.
Call to Action
Do we often forget to ask the Lord for His opinion before moving forward with our plans? Each morning, do we ask Him to guide our footsteps throughout the day? Then the hard part: trusting Him with the outcome. We don’t always get to see the greater good from a difficult situation. However, that shouldn’t keep us from trusting ourselves in His care.
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
God has not forsaken you. Keep seeking Him!
Scripture noted as NIV above is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
