Hooked Up to the Best IV

“Mom, I’m in trouble!” Thankfully I knew it. I was already talking with Joyce, Dr. Guy Castles’ nurse, as Thomas, head in hands, was looking over the upstairs banister down into our living room. Thankfully we have been blessed for so many years with some of the most incredible doctors on the planet. I grabbed my purse and we were out the door. I was well aware that since Thomas had been throwing up since the wee hours of the morning…not able to drink…that dehydration was setting in…which spells trouble for anyone…but for a diabetic…it means, GET HELP NOW!

As we walked into the doctor’s office, they were waiting. It was a matter of literally 4 minutes before Thomas was given a shot for nausea and the IV fluids were started. Within 2 hours Thomas looked like a completely different person. He was transformed! From about 4 a.m. until we got to the doctor at around 10 a.m., the color of Thomas’ skin had grown paler and was a grey, dull color. It was almost like watching the life drain right out of him.

The great news is that I was extremely confident when I picked up the phone to call Guy’s office that, first, we would talk to a human quickly. Second, we would get the help we needed just as quickly! Yes, Dr. Castles is a pediatrician and Thomas is 23 years old but, so far, I have been unwilling to give Guy up as T’s doctor because of the “excellent and aggressive care” he has provided not just for Thomas, but for all three of our kids.

As I sat listening to Thomas moan and beg for water, as he lay pretty lifeless on the table with an IV dripping as fast as it could, it was hard not being able to give Thomas just a sip of water. It was a big no-no since the shot had not had time to settle Thomas’ stomach. I knew it was going to be short-lived, “the extreme thirst” and the begging for water. As soon as they possibly could, they would give Thomas tiny sips, but not until they knew it was safe. They definitely knew what they were doing and resisted Thomas’ pleading with a smile. It was pretty amazing to take a seat and watch their “wisdom” and “experience” RUN THE SHOW of a miraculous turn around. In fact, one of Guy’s many interns turned to me and commented, “He looks amazingly different!” I couldn’t have agreed more.

What a great picture of what having a personal relationship with Christ is like. What Jesus can do for anyone who gives their life to Christ.

First, understand, if you live, there will be “trouble”. The kind of trouble will vary, but the Best and most qualified Doctor, the one with ALL the WISDOM and the EXPERTISE, is Jesus! When you entrust your life to Him and make that “call,” you will not be put on HOLD. You will not have to listen to 10 different “options”. He picks up on the first ring. You don’t even have to go through a “nurse”. You get the “Doc” himself.

He knows exactly what you need as well. He has all the remedies. It might require a “SHOT”–enduring some change that has some temporary discomfort– that is painful, or maybe even two sticks. An “IV stick” as well–more pain and discomfort.

Healing and getting to a better, healthier place may require sacrifice and giving up your will and plans to His better plan.

It may even include two “bags of fluid” that drip slowly–patience. You are still “thirsty” for a while before things settle and you can take a “new drink”. Thomas was in great hands. They knew when his request for water would be good for him. When we place ourselves in the hands of an All-knowing and EVER-present God, we may want a “drink,” even a “sip,” but God may say no for our “GREATER GOOD!” The guarantee, the comfort and the assurance I had that Guy and his team would take care of Thomas is much like the assurance Jesus offers.

As I sat there watching, I was well aware that Thomas may have to be admitted to the hospital. I knew it was not something Guy wanted for Thomas, nor did Thomas, or me for that matter. But if that is what was best for Thomas, whether we wanted it or not, that is what he would have done, regardless of our feelings or desires. The doctor’s wisdom would have made the “OVERRIDING” call.

Proverbs 8:10-12 teaches, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Fear of the Lord means simply trusting Him with your life and not trusting yourself.

My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.” I had to defer to Dr. Castles and his wisdom to get Thomas back on track, not my own understanding nor Thomas’. After talking later, Thomas and I agreed that, when he was so thirsty, we would have gotten a “drink” but we had to defer to the “WISER” and not lean on our understanding, emotions or desire. It is the same with God. He knows best…the very best.

Don’t lean on your simple understanding today. SEEK GOD’s Wisdom. Allow HIM to be your IV fluids today!

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