When the Odds Are Against You

Zero percent.

That's the exact number the oral surgeon told me. It simply wasn't possible that at my age (51, and yes, I realize a woman isn't supposed to reveal her age, but clearly I don't subscribe to that view) that I'd need to have my lower wisdom teeth removed.

And then we saw the x-ray.

And then, because of the pain involved, we scheduled oral surgery for the very next day, which hardly gave me time to think about more disturbing odds: a 50% chance of permanent nerve damage in my lower face.

All I wanted was for the source of the pain to be gone. And I truly did not have a choice.

Today is day 4 post-surgery, and the pain still is not gone. It's relentless and raw and stubborn and makes my heart ache for people who live with a high pain level all the time.

But in the middle of all this I would like to point out that in spite of the 0% and 50% odds I faced, God is 100% for me.

And He is 100% for you, regardless of the situation or odds you are currently facing.

"What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

In all honestly, it's been a rough week. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you are facing some slim odds. Maybe you are in the depths of raw pain you'd rather not be enduring. But hold on with me, sweet friend. Because God is faithful and trustworthy and there is absolutely no limit to His loving-kindness, His ability, or His awesome power. And He works all things for our good.

Even the 0% stuff.

Even the 50% stuff.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

I just want you to know God has not forgotten you. He hears your cries. He knows your heart. And He is 100% for you.

Always.



15 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

I have been following your posts about your surgery and have been praying! I never come out of the dentist without some lingering pain and then finally it goes away. I pray yours does soon! I have headed to my dentist in the next hour and don't take this wrong, but I will think about you and it makes my procedure so much less important.

Julie Gillies said...

Oh Terri, thank you for your prayers! I hope your visit to the dentist today goes smoothly--no complications, no pain!

((hugs))

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Rest, ice, protien (like Greek yogurt), naps, good movies (if you can stay awake) are my post oral surgery routine.

Hope you continue to heal and have no nerve damage. Praying for you.

Cheryl Barker said...

Am praying your pain subsides soon and that you wo't have any nerve damage, Julie. Love your reminder that God is 100% for us. So true!

Julie Gillies said...

Thank you, Glenda and Cheryl, for your prayers. I am SO grateful!

Ginny said...

Am continuing prayer for the pain and swift healing, Julie. I am waiting on pathology results from my stomach and colon...please keep me in prayer. I should know by Thursday.
I am hoping for no nerve damage for you also. God is good...All the time!

Mining for Diamonds said...

Ouch! I feel your pain just reading about it! :( Praying for a quick recovery, less pain and continued encouragement from the Lord!

Julie Gillies said...

Ginny, I just prayed for you and asked the Lord for definitive and GOOD results from all your pathology tests. Thank you so much for your prayers!

And Kim (Mining for Diamonds), thank you, girl, for praying! I hope you are well! :-)

myletterstoemily said...

i pray that your pain will be 100% gone!

Cindy in PA said...

Julie, I love knowing (now) that we're the same age! And Glenda gave some wise advice (I think she always does.) I will be praying for healing and your pain to leave. Even during this hard time your post is encouraging to all and I thank you. Blessings!

Julie Gillies said...

Thank you, MyLettersToEmily, for praying!

And I agree, Cindy, that Glenda always gives good advice. Thank you so much for praying!

Hester's Heart said...

Oh Julie,

Thinking of you through this recovery. :( I love your connection and correlation that God is 100% for us.

Rest easy, Hester ;)

AmyAlves said...

Julie, thinking of you tonight. Thank you for sharing your faith and courage in the midst of your pain. ~ Love from Maine, Amy

Colleen said...

Julie, I've been praying you through this trial since you first wrote about it, and I continue to pray until you are feeling like yourself again. I posted 2 verses from Romans 8 on f/b this a.m., and my Bible was still open to the page to read what you shared. Kinda cool. Love and blessings to you! And btw, I'm 51 too! :)

Julie Gillies said...

Thank you, Hester and Amy!

And Colleen, thank you for your prayers, I can't tell you how I appreciate them. As of today I'm still on pain meds, still recovering. My surgeon said it's taking a long time because of my age. *sigh* And I love the Bible "coincidence". :-)

Post a Comment