Girdin’ and Grittin’

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13

One morning several years ago my husband had a massive heart attack while we were driving on the freeway about an hour from home. (This was before everyone had a cell phone.) We pulled off the freeway and as he writhed in pain, I took the wheel and we speeded towards home, crying out, “Help us, Jesus!” Knowing we’d never make it home, I pulled off, went into a small convenience store to make a 911 call. The local ambulance came immediately and loaded my husband into the back and headed to the nearest hospital as I nervously followed close behind.

On route to the hospital in my adrenalin-ridden body and chaotic brain scramble, His still small voice broke through saying, “What do you know that’s true?” (This is the girdin’ part.)

“Lord, I know You are sovereign and that this is not a surprise to You; I know that You have allowed this to happen for reasons unbeknownst to me; I know that You know the outcome of this day, and if my husband does not survive this heart attack, I know that You will get me through, even though I know I will grieve and experience all kinds of painful emotions.”

(Now this is the grittin’ part.) “But You wouldn’t let him die, would You? I know You are able to save his life, so You will do that won’t You? Please don’t let him die!”

Back and forth the conversation seemed to go—one minute girding my loins with truth, and the next minute gritting my teeth thinking about the possibility of losing my husband.

Oh, what a day that was!

While waiting at the hospital, I was able to contact people to pray. To make a long story short, after several failed procedures to relieve his pain and remedy the problem, my husband ended up having successful bypass surgery that evening, and a week later I was able to bring him home! Thank You, Jesus!

There is one thing I know: in this world we will have tribulation (John 16:33), but He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Emotions and feelings are fickle, but He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

No matter who or what I may lose or suffer in this life, I will never lose Him—and He is enough!

Lord, thank You for Your love and presence and for hearing us and allowing us to hear You in spite of whatever situation we may find ourselves in. Amen.