There is a surgery that involves no hospital; an operation that is never scheduled; a cutting procedure that requires no knife.

Sometimes the symptoms preceding the needed operation are obvious. Many times the operation itself indicates the underlying problem.

It is almost always a long ordeal: never beyond what he can endure, but seldom does it feel far from that mark.

The patient is always prepared, in one sense. For the very fact that she is a patient is her own choice. Prepared is very likely too strong a choice of words. Equipped is more accurate: posessing the necessary.

The wonderful fact of this operation is that there is only one surgeon and he always accomplishes his purpose.; the length, even the extent of the pain many times is dependent upon the patient's response. But the end result is always good. Beautiful.

No, there is no knife involved; but pain and discomfort. True, the location and type of operation varies; but the intent of the physician-- never. For sure, the patient, being a patient, rarely desires to schedule such a thing; but if he is a true patient, the pain is worth it in the end. There is healing, recovery, growth; and much joy if the proper perspective is kept.

Without question, the surgery alluded to here is the most wonderous of any -- and this is completely to the credit of the surgeon. You see, just as this operation is no normal procedure, this surgeon is not normal. He doesn't meet the patient, operate, note the results and leave. He knows him first. He is present before during and after. Not only is he gentle and kind-- he loves his patients. He knows them each in a way which no one else is capable.

He cuts - but he also heals. He allows the pain - but he also brings the comfort. The patient hurts - he cries.

The patient is equipped for the operation but the surgery itself is preparation. That is what the physician sees and longs for. The end of tears, pain, doubt...
Until then, he loves his patients so much that the pain must exist. He doesn't waste the pain, however: it is just a tool, a route.

And he feels it too.
This is apparent by one more fact that should be mentioned: he is always holding his patient. Holding him or her as a father holds a small child. Calming fears. Listening. Soothing. Promising.

What an operation! -- it's also known as Sanctification.

What results! -- growth, Christ-likeness.

What a prognosis! -- Life, forever.

What a surgeon! -- what a Savior!