Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. - Matthew 6:10
My husband’s heart didn't beat for five hours while his surgeon worked to repair the extensive blockage in his arteries. I sat in a cold hospital waiting room wondering if the surgery would be successful. Would he ever hear me say I love you again? Would his heart remember how to beat once it was placed back in his chest? Would our pre-surgery kiss be the last we'd ever share? Would this be the day I would have to say goodbye? As the minutes became agonizing hours, I realized this was the time to see what my faith was made of.
How deep was my trust in God? I had walked with Him nearly my entire life. He had demonstrated his faithfulness to me again and again. He had never left my side and even in this moment I felt His presence with me. Did I trust Him enough to pray for my husband’s life with deference to add Your will be done? I spoke the words and immediately felt an indescribable peace. God would do what was best in His sovereign plan.
It was one of the longest days of my life. But when I received the words declaring the surgery a success, I took my first full breath of the day. Bill had been given a great gift—the gift to me was even greater. There would be more I love you’s to exchange and more kisses to share. And now, with more years ahead of us, both our hearts would go on beating—together.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
It’s hard to pray Your will be done when we want our prayer to be answered in a specific way. And sometimes our prayers are met with outcomes contrary to our desires. When this happens we must remember that God’s plans and perspectives are so much greater than ours. God is always on our side, still loving us deeply, and forever closely with us.