Judy's rare brain condition required delicate surgery.  The risky procedure took place in the operating theatre at a research hospital with many doctors and medical students observing.

Just before the operation was to begin, the surgeon asked, "Do you have any questions?" Judy replied, "May I pray for you?" With many looking on, she thanked God for the surgeon's great skill, asked wisdom for him, and committed the surgery into the Lord's hands.

How it must delight God's heart when we unashamedly bring our cares to Him with thanksgiving! Judy didn't ask God to spare her life. She was sure that her heavenly Father knew how much she longed to live. She simply thanked Him for the surgeon's knowledge and skill, and entrusted herself to the Great Physician's special care.

Judy got a new lease on life that day. And those doctors got a firsthand look at faith in the true and living God. Paul said, "In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6). Notice that God does not promise to give you all you want, but rather, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (v.7). What a gift!  — Dennis J. De Haan