Tip #7: Never assume that you know what God will do

I’ve made this mistake in both directions. 
I’ve been sure that a person is at the end of their life and they lived for several more years! 
I’ve also been sure that a patient is fine and they have died shortly thereafter.

Let me tell you a story.
Less than twenty-four hours ago, I was in a hospital room with a family. They were gathered around the patient’s bed. Several children, their spouses, and the patient’s spouse made a semi-circle around her. I stood behind them, handing out tissues. The care team was preparing to remove her ventilator. The family was there to say goodbye.

The pastor from the patient’s church stood in the front of the family, at the foot of her bed. He tried to maintain silence after entering the room, but he didn’t survive five minutes.

He read scripture about not being troubled and how we would all be together again in heaven. He prayed a long prayer about God welcoming her into eternity and rejoicing that she would receive the promise of eternal life that very day. His prayer was a goodbye message.

The problem?
She's still alive. The care team removed the vent just after the pastor’s prayer. The family stood and watched and waited for their mother and wife to enter eternity. But, as I write these words, she is still breathing. Still struggling. Her last breath will likely come soon, but who knows? Only God knows.

That's why I try to never assume I know what God will do.