Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

~Proverbs 4:23 ESV

While second assisting in an operation, the surgeon continuously yelled at everyone in the surgical suite, creating a tense environment.

When his insults and offensive behavior shifted my way, he plucked the instrument from my hand berating my work. As a student, I had every right to leave the operating room but refused to let him deprive me of the experience, so I stood back and remained focused on the procedure.

My endurance paid off, because an hour later the surgeon needed an extra hand—literally, to cup the heart while they worked around it, and I was the only person without a task. All the abusive behavior in the world couldn’t extinguish the indescribable exhilaration of protecting another person’s wellspring of life, as its rhythmic beat pulsed in my hand. I didn’t question the patient’s faith or morality before putting my hand in harms way, but centered my attention on protecting the life before me.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

~2 Peter 3:9 ESV

That moment made me wonder if our Savior experiences something similar. His broad shoulders endure a great deal of rejection and wrongdoings. But instead of abandoning us, God protects the eternity He’s placed in our hearts, waiting for us to surrender and run into His arms. 

Regardless of our circumstances, God’s protective hand is always hard at work, even if we can’t see or feel it. Trust Him, and lean into your Savior’s perfection, love, and provision. He’s got your heart in the palm of His almighty hand.

In the midst of hardship, do you lean on God, or allow emotions to control your life? 

Father God, Thank You for Your unconditional love; that Your focus does not linger on my failures, but on my potential. Help me to remember that the things of this world have no hold over me, and through Your strength I can achieve anything. Just as You forgive and remember my sins no more, help me to do the same for others. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Heavenly Heartwarming: Irene Wintermyer: All Rights Reserved