Exploratory Surgery

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23, 24 NIV)

Have you ever undergone exploratory surgery?  In an exploratory surgery, the physician is invasively taking a look on the inside to see what is wrong with you.  For weeks, months, or years, you have endured some painful symptoms, and have lived in uncertainty and fear - only to receive no answers from the medical field.  You have likely seen more than one physician or specialist to diagnose your problem.  But neither testing nor imaging have revealed any answers, and there is nothing left to do but go under the knife to “explore” more closely what the problem might be.  Aside from fear of the unknown, this process is also quite painful.  Post surgery, there will be pain, medication, and healing - and hopefully answers.  Though answers are not guaranteed.  You will also need to rely on family and friends to help you through the healing process.

The scripture above reminds me of spiritual exploratory surgery.   For quite some time now, you have been enduring consequences of sin in your life, and you may not even be aware of what the cause is. The resulting symptoms may be holding you back from living your life to the fullest in the manner God has planned for you.   But if you ask him to search your heart for any offensive way within you, there is good news – he will perform exploratory surgery on you, and his search will yield the answers you seek!  The process may be painful and costly.  You may truly not like what you learn, or what needs to be done to turn things around in your life.   You may need help from family and friends to get through a time of repentance, healing, and restoration.  But God will answer you, and will provide you with everything you need to rid yourself of the offensive way and turn your situation around.  When you allow him to have his way in you, the outcome is guaranteed.  You will be better for having undergone the process.  As a child of God, you have access to the greatest surgeon known to man, with unparalleled skills and an exceptional bedside manner.  He is gentle and loving, and will help you through to an end you may not even see yet.  Trust in him, take a risk, and book yourself on his surgical calendar today!