Surgeries and discipleship at it’s very best

Marie and I visited a young couple last night. They were sideswiped at the very beginning of the new year. In a nutshell their less than a month old baby started throwing up on January 2. Rushing to the emergency room they were advised to remain to have the baby checked further.

After a series of tests the specialists concluded that their baby had a congenital blockage that prevented his food from entering his stomach which accounted for the upchuck that needed immediate surgery. Life can blindside us this way.

When Marie carried the baby last night to appease him from his hunger pangs I was reminded of a similar incident we faced when our second son David had to undergo surgery for a congenital disorder when he was but a month old.

Looking at the tiny baby brought back memories of emotions long forgotten. Mostly of fear, worry and if I were to be honest of self-pity. God why would you allow something like this happen to us. I took the father to the drug store to buy and pacifier while Marie stayed with the mother. We stopped by a nearby coffe shop so I could take him away from the present stress and Marie could have some time with the mother and baby.

When we got back to the hospital we prayed together for the early morning surgery. We bade them goodbye and  prayed again in the car. This morning I called the father and found out that two other couples from church were on hand to be with them through the morning. He gladly announced that the surgery was a success and that the baby was recovering well.

This is discipleship at its finest. When our relationship with God and with one another interfaces with real life in real time.  When faith, hope and love are learned not just from a Bible study but is experienced for what it truly is, in relationships, then true discipleship happens. In the end all discipleship is relationship!

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”  Genesis 18:14