“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28. (NLT)

“Mrs. McCullough hurry, Jordan has been injured at kickoff” is all I heard as I walked toward the stadium.  I had just arrived with special custom made cupcakes for the Homecoming Game.  I immediately dropped the container and began running toward the field. Apparently, another player from the opposing team had purposely stomped on Jordan’s ankle when he caught the football and was running to make a touchdown but was tackled. 

God is always working for your GOOD no matter what the situation or circumstance.

The football game had started without paramedics on the premises which evoked into chaos to get emergency care for my son who lay injured on the turf. Many raced to get ice, lift Jordan off the field onto the sidelines as his ankle was swelling quickly. I started to pray as I held his hand looking into his eyes and attempting to comfort him.

 

A doctor who was attending the game appeared and inspected the area of injury and responded, “This is bad and rattled off some medical terms I didn’t know ~ He’s got to get to an ER immediately.”  

 

No sirens, no ambulance or a vehicle in sight to transport him to the hospital. I was fuming.  My husband said, “We have our van and we will get him to the nearest hospital ourselves.” 

 

The doctor looked at me and said, “Ma’am I need you to hold his foot and ankle “just like this” as he gently placed my hands to keep Jordan’s ankle stable.  It has to remain at this angle to prevent further damage inside.” 

 

Micah raced to get the van to drive to the field so Jordan could be lifted inside. Seats were moved and rearranged to lay Jordan inside.

 

I remained on my knees next to him in the van the entire trip to the hospital holding his ankle in place as it was not securely attached, but appeared to be “dangling” in my hands. 

 

Tears running down my face, I tried to remain calm.  How could this be for my good? I thought or Jordan’s good. My son in pain and now facing the possibility of not playing the sport he passionately loved.

 

Our good does not mean according to our plan and how we want things to happen or without challenges.

 

The verse says ALL Things, 

 

That means the Good, Bad, and Ugly. 

 

And friend, this was ugly, but God’s word remains true despite the obstacles we face. 

 

“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)

 

Surgery was next with a metal plate and 16 screws placed in his ankle and hospitalized for 8 days. This was an obstacle, but one that produced faith and trust.  Jordan continued to quote his favorite verse  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

 

I struggled to see the “good” when days and nights were spent at a hospital. Anger rose day by day at how this incident was handled. Fault and blame echoed throughout the community for this careless act to start a football game without protocol of the regulation. 

 

If I had held on to the anger and unforgiveness in my heart, I would have prevented the growth of my faith in God so I made the decision to have a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving.

 

Continuing to look at the situation with a negative mindset would only cause further confusion and unbelief.

 

How to find the “Good in All Things”

 

1. Have an attitude of Gratitude. 

I could have chosen to be angry and upset with God, but I thanked Him for slowing me down to spend time getting to know my son in a new way to build our relationship. To embrace Romans 8:28 means that we must also be reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks.” 

 

2. Spend time in Prayer.

Time with God allowed the Holy Spirit to speak to me in a new way and teach the importance of trusting God in difficult situations.  I realized that this test would become a testimony to someone who would face trauma and need encouragement on how to become equipped through the word of God. 

 

3. Find a new FOCUS and embrace NOW.

Focusing on what had happened, what Jordan couldn’t do and the delay of playing football wasn’t going to make the recovery go quicker. I soon discovered that SPEAKING LIFE in the situation produced good fruit and filled the atmosphere with God’s positive. 

 

Maintaining a positive mindset was effortful. But after only 3 months, another surgery was scheduled to remove the plates and screws. Doctors had predicted 6 months to remove, but God said sooner. 

 

God performed A MIRACLE!

 

.. for good of those who love and are called according to His purpose.

 

No impact sports, but cleared to run after months of physical and occupational therapy. 

 

Track season began and he decided to run track for the first time. He broke previous school records and advanced to the European Division and earned a Gold Medal for the Sprint Medley.

 

I am thankful, that Jordan returned to football the following fall and is now playing college football with a scholarship as a Running Back.

 

I didn’t see the “good” when the accident happened or through the recovery, but I kept faith in God with a heart of Gratitude, a position of Prayer, and redirected my Focus and kept a positive mindset. 

 

Sister, you can do the same. Life is full of the good, the bad, and the ugly, but God remains Faithful!

 

What Good, Bad, or Ugly are you trying to see the “Good” in today friend? Let’s get on a call and I’d be honored to pray with you.

 

You can connect with LaVonda @ https://lavondamccullough.com