Surprised by God's Timing - Again! Tracy Krauss

I love to hear 'God moment' stories. Not only are they inspiring, but they serve to strengthen our faith. I've had many such experiences in my life - too many to explain in one blog post. I would need an entire book. (Perhaps this is a theme for our next InScribe anthology...)

Anyway, it seems God has been increasing these supernatural 'serendipities' in the last few months. Even though I had a heart attack in May and subsequent open heart surgery, I have also felt God's direction and leading very clearly and unmistakably. He has orchestrated every step in miraculous ways, right down to the very hour of my surgery and beyond.

These experiences have been focal points during my recovery - tangible reminders of God's faithfulness and supernatural might. My faith has never been stronger. How could I ever again question God's timing about ANYTHING when I've seen how perfect His timing is, right down to the minutest detail?

And then... God surprised me once again.

I had been hoping to finish my cardiac rehabilitation over the summer in time to go back to teaching school in September. My doctors strongly suggested I take part in the program, but if I didn't hurry and get in, I wouldn't make it before my 'deadline'. Despite my constant phone calls, delays of various kinds meant I did not get into the program until near the end of August. My natural reaction would have been frustration, but I knew God has a reason. When September rolled around I wasn't ready to return to work yet anyway, and it turns out, I had exactly the right amount of leave days to take me to the end of October so that I could participate in the rehab! The timing was perfect, since one of my daughters is pregnant with her first child in the middle of September, (in two days, in fact!) so I now have time to spend with her right after the baby is born. It also meant I could attend Fall Conference without taking time off. God had it all worked out perfectly! Hooray!

And then... God surprised me AGAIN... 

I started feeling 'off' a few weeks ago. I had been making great progress over the summer, walking longer and farther each day, and getting progressively stronger. But suddenly I started getting dizzy and fatigued after very little exertion, and I was even experiencing chest pain again. I started rehab and ended up in the emergency ward. How discouraging after such a long wait. Trips to the doctor, (and many more decisions to just stay home and 'tough it out') finally led me to the realization that Fall Conference was not an option for me this year. Reluctantly, I had to inform the rest of the planning committee that I would not be able to fulfill my duties or teach the workshop that I had prepared.

Instead of working it out for me to go to Fall Conference, it seems God has orchestrated more time for rest and reflection. I'm writing this post from my hospital bed, where I've been confined for three days now, while undergoing tests. It wasn't what I had expected, and certainly not what I want, but I can see God's timing. He knew all along what was needed, and as you hopefully read in Ruth's post from yesterday, He has worked out all the details perfectly.

I'm still living out this particular story, but I'm sure that God's got it handled. Here is a bible verse my sister sent me yesterday:
"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart. Wait, i say, on the Lord." Psalm 27: 13-14 NKJV