Prepare for the Worst

Dan Kunz

Hope (pray) for the best. That expression is found on the lips of people on a daily basis. It may be said concerning the weather and its impact on an upcoming event. It may be said about a business deal that is unfolding. It may be uttered (as in my case) when approaching a medical procedure or surgery. People have knees and hips replaced on a regular basis. It’s almost as common as getting dental work done. Unfortunately, I belong to a much more select group – those who have had a shoulder joint replaced. As a matter of fact, I’m even more “special”. I’ve had both shoulders replaced! One was ten years ago and the other five years. A life of sports, outdoor activities, and, yes, foolishness, has worn out both my shoulders. And now, in two weeks, I’m having the replacement replaced. Lucky me!

As the months and weeks have slipped quickly by, this latest surgery has been looming larger and larger in my windshield. It’s a pretty big deal – three to six months of rehab, lots of pain, huge limitations on my lifestyle for a time. For example, I won’t even be able to drive for six weeks. (My wife will love being a chauffeur again!) Because both of my previous shoulder replacements were extremely successful and allowed me to do all the things I love, I can truly say, “I’m praying for the best.” That being said, I also learned long ago to “Prepare for the worst.”

To be sure, we can’t always prepare for the worst, at least not in a very specific way. Things happen in life which we just don’t and can’t anticipate. No one plans to break a tooth. No one plans to have a traffic accident. No one plans a stroke. We can only be prepared for those things in a most general way. Some events, however, we can and should prepare for, so we’re not caught off guard or overwhelmed. Jesus told us himself in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We know life will not always go as planned, but we can take steps to offset some of the “worst”.

Could I die during my surgery? I could. I’m not planning on it, but I’ll make sure to tell all my loved ones that I do love them, just in case. Could the surgery only be partially successful, so that my ability to fully use my left shoulder is diminished? Unlikely, but possible. If people who are the victims of accidents or war can learn to adapt, I guess I can too. Will I suffer from depression after the surgery and during the subsequent rehab? Absolutely! Having been down this road twice before, I know major surgery takes a toll on your psyche for a time. A person comes face-to-face with his or her mortality when confronted with significant life changes. It’s inevitable for many people, but, if one plans for it and takes the necessary precautions, it won’t “drag you under”. Of course, faith has an impact on all the “what if’s”.  

I can prepare for my surgery in a lot of ways, including suggestions from my surgeon, but knowing “the Great Physician” is overseeing everything, is the most important prep work I can do. Passages such as these are part of my preparation: Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” and Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”