“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3

“What kind of music do you like?” was the question. When I told the technician, “Elvis,” I assumed Elvis was who I’d get! I didn’t… but it didn’t matter. I wasn’t there for a concert. I was there under Doctors orders to get an MRI scan of my prostate. Something I now do every year. The music didn’t matter because it was only a distraction for getting the real thing. A picture! WITH NOISE!

Lots of questions get asked before I go into the tube. CAREFUL questions. They want to know if I have any metal in my body of any kind. The ‘M’ in MRI stands for Magnetic! They really didn’t want ANY part of my innards pulled out and splattered all over their machine. Neither did I. So I had to really think long and hard to give them honest answers. My life depended upon it!

Going into ‘the tube’ gives me an opportunity to do what I like to do best… spend time with Jesus. The loud sounds and bangs may drown out the music, but it can’t make Jesus disappear. We talked in our own special way, and I rested in the knowledge that no matter what happens, He is ALWAYS with me. Even in and all the way through… life’s tests! I used to get confused about that!

Everyone goes through difficult and bad times. This verse in Proverbs, because it relates to experiences in life, could very well be one that God’s enemies use to provoke the evil thought that ‘God is IN CONTROL!’ Most believe that God hurls us into a terrible situation to strengthen, punish or test our metal! But nothing could be further from the truth. The loud bangs of life already exist!

My physical body, unlike my soul and spirit, has limitations. God does NOT apply those limitations. They come through experiences, time and genes. While not deliberate, my dad handed down the propensity gene for prostate cancer. God didn’t GIVE it to me. But I’ve got it! Now, good people are watching to make sure it doesn’t kill me! I appreciate them. But God was with me in the tube!

Sadly. I have discovered there are a LOT of people who see God as the creator of evil. They figure that since He made everything, He must be in control of it all! NOT! In fact, God calls satan the ‘god of this age.’ But He calls ME to walk WITH Him THROUGH the dark valleys of this life. It took a lot of practice. But I get it now. Who needs Elvis when I’ve got JESUS!??? Do you rest in God… or blame Him?