Are you nervous?

I had my first general anaesthetic recently. I didn’t really know what to expect. I wasn’t looking forward to it. It’s a strange experience as you voluntarily walk in TED socks, something like a shower cap and surgical robe to lie down on a table under bright lights! All so that you can be put to sleep and cut open.

One of the nurses asked me “are you nervous?”

“Not really” I replied. It was true. I wasn’t looking forward it, but in the Lord’s kindness, my Bible reading that morning had included Psalm 31. I had read these words “my times are in your hand O LORD.” What reassuring words. I knew that I could not die a day before the Lord allowed, nor could I live a day longer than He planned! It’s true every day, but on the day of surgery, these words spoke more loudly.

As I lay down under the light, and put on the mask, I prayed, “Lord, thank-you that my times are in your hands.  I trust you.”  Before the gas or the drip started I had peace and confidence in the Lord. It was a great comfort to know that if it all went “wrong” and I didn’t wake on earth, I would wake in the presence of my Saviour who loved me and gave His life to free me from my sins.

It’s not that I’m a particularly good person, but it’s that I belong to a great saviour!  I belong to Jesus, and because He defeated death, He will get me through it.  My confidence was not in myself, but in Jesus.  I entrusted my family into His hands, knowing that He will care for them.

Waking up in the recovery room was a bit of let down! I couldn’t believe it was all over so quickly.  The room was dull and quiet, and the tea and toast didn’t compare with the promised heavenly banquet. But I was pleased to be out the other side, and it was good to be able to return home to see my family.

The general anaesthetic got me thinking, it would be healthy to go to bed every night saying “my times are in your hands O LORD” and to be ready to meet Him.  To lie down confidently every night, entrusting myself to the loving care of the Lord Jesus. To know that if I don’t wake up on earth, I will wake up in His presence, which will be better by far. 

Perhaps you’re not sure if your times are in the Lord’s hands? If you’re not sure, or you have any concerns, I’d love to invite you on our next Hope Explored course, or to help with any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Nick Jones is one of the ministers in Milford Reformed Presbyterian Church. He can be contacted on 085 8889625 or nickjones2011@gmail.com