A week ago I wrote about our good friend who received an organ transplant. Much has happened since then, so I thought I should share the good news that God is amazing (just in case you hadn’t realized that yet).

Due to a series of delays, surgery didn’t begin until 27 hours after the phone call came alerting us to the possibility of a compatible donor. By the time the doctor finished at half past midnight, he (and we) had been up over 24 hours. (The same surgeon also removed the organs from the donor and accompanied them to Denver.) Finally, at 2:30 a.m. we were allowed to stop briefly in the ICU where our friend was somewhat awake and obviously in significant pain.

The next 48 hours were a struggle to find a balance between the much-needed pain medications and their side effects (primarily nausea). In addition, a nasal tube was causing gagging, intensifying the misery. Friends, family members, and others prayed earnestly for God to intervene. Things were so bad, an extra night in the ICU was added.

And then…

God apparently decided enough was enough. When we walked into the room Sunday afternoon, our friend was sitting up in bed, looking amazingly cheerful! The difference was night and day, and can only be attributed to the Great Physician.

Monday the doctors gave the go-ahead to leave the ICU. Tuesday, our friend was pacing the halls, off all pain medications, and eager to leave the hospital. And Wednesday that wish was granted!

Of course, we’re not out of the woods yet, and probably never will be. There’s always the threat of an immune reaction, infection, and/or rejection lurking in the background. Daily tests will be required for the next few weeks so a hotel room near the hospital (an hour from here) is a necessity. Still, the rapid pace of recovery has the medical staff confounded and everyone rejoicing.

My goal here isn’t so much to tell you about our friend’s medical issues as it is to encourage you. God is all-powerful. He loves us and He loves to act on our behalf. Prayer is our lifeline; praying makes a difference.

No matter what issues we are facing—and we’re always facing something—God is bigger. We can have hope.

When my (non-believing) dad expressed his fears about our friend’s upcoming surgery, Pete responded, “Well, it’s a win-win. Either the surgery is successful and we can enjoy one another for more time here, or our friend will die and go to heaven to live forever. It’s all good!”

I can’t imagine trying to live life without knowing that it’s all good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:28, 38-39)