Breathe - Part Two

 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When I am diagnosed with pneumonia, confirmed by a chest scan and not complicated by any Covid infection, the doctors patently assume that the standard concoction of antibiotics will fit the bill for treatment.  But after two days, with my condition not worsening but not improving, they are more than a bit perplexed.  What can possibly be the root cause for this nemesis?

One prescient physician decides to change up the antibiotic cocktail completely, adding steroids to the mix; he gets no argument from his colleagues.  And of course, I'm all for anything that works to zap the sickness and allow me to wean down from the extravagant amount of oxygen I'm receiving.

Fortunately, for all involved, this new approach wends its slow, deliberate way toward a semblance of improvement on my part.  In the meantime, the "mystery pneumonia" has other physicians stymied, frustrated and over-the-top curious about its origin and modus operandi.

Several respiratory doctors and pulmonologists want to perform what's known as a bronchoscopy, where the patient is placed into twilight and a tube is inserted through the mouth and into the lungs to retrieve tissue samples for further examination.  To give them credit, they are upfront with the possible dangers such a procedure can entail, including the collapse of the lungs and the need for a ventilator.  I don't think I need to elaborate here for you to understand that this is NOT something I even remotely think is in my best, long-term interest.

Luckily, during the days this option continues to be discussed, my oxygen remains at too high a level to even contemplate such a procedure.  No doubt, God is hard at work on my behalf, protecting me from the unnecessary, so He can perform the extraordinary.

Though my improvements seem miniscule at first, the changes are manifesting in surprisingly tangible, visible signs.  Nurses and/or doctors who haven't seen me in two days or more do a double take when entering my room.  My eyes are brighter, my need for oxygen is slowly but surely tapering off, my complexion awakens from a waxen pallor to a healthy glow.  The transformation leaves many scratching their heads in wonder and disbelief.  Was this supposed to happen?  Wasn't she on her third strike?

And just like that, God gives me my chance to witness unabashedly, to believers and unbelievers alike, determined to share with these caring and curious folks what I know to be true about the countless prayers bombarding me continuously in this hospital bed.  I speak confidently, admitting that I have no way of counting all the prayers pouring over me, but I feel them.  I feel God's presence through them.  

He is healing me, in His way and in His time.  I have no doubt I will walk out of here, well and whole.  Leave the bronchoscopy be, and let God work His wonders!

Some readily agree about prayer.  Some politely defer.  Some admit they don't know how it works, but can't deny the improvement they see in me.  There is a remarkable openness on the part of most listeners; God is opening windows where doors have been tightly shut.

Oh, how I hope that my time in the hospital not only procures a once-in-a-lifetime miracle for me, but also prepares the soil of these precious hearts to receive and accept God's invitation to salvation!

Within days of my discharge, I begin to hear thanks from the nurses, for being gracious to them, and offering encouragement when so many patients offer nothing but complaints.  They praise my positive attitude, telling me its rubbed off on them, and actually tell me I will be missed, for all the right reasons.

Truthfully?  I will miss these beautiful children of God, too.  But I will continue to keep them in my prayers, to rejoice over them, and give thanks for all the care and love they lavished upon me during my stay.

May they know, if they don't already, the peace of God which passes all understanding.

And may we all, each and every one of us, know that same peace.

Amen!