We have learned from the doctors at Duke that there are 150,000 people in the U.S. who are sick enough for a heart transplant each year. There are about 5,000 hearts that become available.
John is one of those 150,000. Because there are so few hearts and so many people who need them, unfortunately doctors have to find reasons why some people receive a heart and some people don’t. This usually comes down to factors such as age, other health problems, and the likelihood that the recipient will use the heart to be a productive citizen.
So far John is proving to be an ideal candidate. No other health issues, such as damage to his other organs, have been detected through the tests he has gone through. He is young, has a great outlook and attitude, and can tell you exactly what he plans to do with the new heart he gets.
All of this, however, is an overwhelming blessing from God, and we can’t forget that. John is no different than any other person in being worthy enough for a heart. We have done nothing to deserve this gift. There is nothing we could do. We are too broken and sinful to even attempt to earn this blessing. It is a complete gift of grace. “‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:35-36
Each of those 150,000 people are very special and loved by God just like John is loved. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16My prayer is that we show humility and gratitude for this extra special gift of life on earth that John will receive.
1 Out of 150,000
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