Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

It is easy to be strong and courageous when everything is going right, as well as to believe Jesus is by your side when life seems to be at its best. But what happens when trials come your way? Or better yet, what happens when you’re a 7-year old facing surgery?

A month ago, Chase had a tonsillectomy. Due to COVID, only one parent was allowed in the facility with Chase.  When we told him about the upcoming surgery and the fact that only one of us could be with him, you could see the disappointment on his face. Not only was he worried about the surgery, but now he would have one less person to be by his side who would be a comfort.  It was equally difficult for us as parents because one of us would not be able to be by his side. During the few weeks leading up to the surgery, there were lots of tears and lots of questions like what if the doctor messes up. 

As a parent, your heart breaks to see your children upset and fearful. You wish you could take their place. It seemed like every night before bed, we’d have a conversation with Chase about the surgery often filled with more questions. During those conversations, we reminded Chase of the above scripture and how Jesus is our comforter.  We would pray that God would comfort Chase and for the surgery to go well.

Although we talked to Chase about being strong and courageous and that Jesus is our comforter, we weren’t sure how the morning of the surgery would go. We were bracing for an emotional morning filled with tears and fear. However, it was the complete opposite...Chase was calm and didn’t show any anxiety or worry leaving that morning.  At the hospital, Chase’s favorite T.V. show (Wild Kratts) happened to be playing while waiting to go back to the operating room - yet another answer to prayer as this show continued to keep Chase calm and comforted. 

The surgery went well, and Chase had no complications. This whole experience was a great reminder of how faithful God is not only to a 7-year old but to us as parents, and that we not only need to claim God’s promises but believe that those promises are true. No matter what we face, God is by our side and we need to be strong and courageous in the face of adversity.