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By Tim Foley, Major
Recently, I bolted up in the middle of the night, woken by a searing pain in my right side. So crippling was this pain that I could barely stand, much less move or even think.
Eventually, it simmered down and my life returned to normal. I did consult my doctor, who gave me a long list of potential things it could be. He prescribed an ultrasound. The results produced a long, low whistle from him. It seems that he had never seen a gallstone the size I had growing in me. Surgery was scheduled immediately to take care of the problem.
I have been blessed to have a history of good health to this point in my life, so undergoing major outpatient surgery was somewhat of a big deal to me. Fortunately, all the procedures went well and after a week or so I was pretty much back to full strength.
Looking back, I recall my gurney ride to the surgery room. It was a rare moment when I felt really alone. I was surrounded by strangers, and although they were friendly, professional and skilled in their assigned tasks, they were still not my friends or family. It was one of those moments in my life when even though I was by myself, so to speak, God was right there with me.
In this journey we are never alone. We have the promise from the writer of Hebrews: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5 ESV).
God’s abiding presence is sufficient for all our needs and whatever life throws at us. My prayer is that you can experience this reality even in the midst of your deepest, darkest moments.