Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jim's open-heart surgery was a month away. It was a time of preparation and anxiety. He had never undergone surgery before, and it was certain that he did not like hospitals. Everything he did in that month was in anticipation of what had been decided when the date of his surgery was set. There were many tests and much to do. But after the day had come and gone, Jim started to enjoy the real benefits of his repaired heart. He found himself rejoicing for the first time in many months. He realized that the preparation time, though trying, was necessary for the heaven-