My doctor’s office called to tell me I needed an MRI on my stomach. A previous sonogram had revealed a large mass. Having lost both my parents to cancer, this news alarmed me. While I waited for my appointment, God comforted me in three specific ways.
1st Comfort
After receiving my doctor’s report, I emailed some praying friends. My sister immediately called and prayed for me over the phone. Peace washed over me. The prayers of God’s people wrapped me in a blanket of supernatural calm.
[bctt tweet=”The prayers of God’s people wrapped me in a blanket of supernatural calm. #prayer, #comfort” username=”PatHolbrook”]
2nd Comfort
Our 85-pound poodle suffers with Addison’s disease and other chronic health challenges. Even though he was only four at the time, some days he lacked the energy to climb out of bed before mid-afternoon. My heart hurt when he wagged his tail at me but couldn’t get up. But this week he played with the exuberance of healthy dogs his age.
I told a friend, who was laughing with me at my two dogs’ antics, “When Max feels well our whole family smiles. Max has helped me appreciate 3 John 2.”
The next morning, as I raised the kitchen shades to welcome the morning light, God gave me an unexpected hug. “Debbie, that verse is for you,” I sensed Him say.
I grabbed my Bible and read: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2 NIV).
No matter what the MRI said, God had spoken. He wanted my best.
3rd Comfort
I’d agreed to speak at a Sunday school class at a neighboring church that Sunday. I’d picked the subject I planned to address. But, in my sleep during the wee hours of that Sunday, I sensed God nudging me to a different topic. In my semiconscious state I replied, if you want me to talk on that then wake me up in time to prepare and help me find my notes.
It had been well over a year since I’d spoken on that topic. The ink for our printer hadn’t arrived, so I needed my hardcopy notes.
At six thirty I awoke. I started to go back to sleep but remembered my promise. Okay, I’ll get up. But what about the notes?
The first file I opened contained handouts for the talk. Wow! I had forgotten I’d even created them. And there were enough for the group. Now, I was awake!
In less than a minute, I found my notes. Since I wasn’t sure I’d even kept a hard copy of the talk, I knew God was guiding me.
I scanned my notes. The opening story stunned me. I’d completely forgotten about discovering a suspicious lump at the age of 36 and my failed human efforts to secure peace. I marveled to think how peaceful I was feeling this time.
The point of my talk was Good News + Faith = Rest. God had given me good news in 3 John 2. But without faith it would not bring me rest.
I chose to trust His Word, and He gave me rest. Having God lead me to that talk reminded me His hand was on my life.
My MRI revealed I needed surgery. Thankfully the surgeon removed a benign mass. But the sweetest part was experiencing the God of peace in the process.
What problem is threatening to steal your peace? Ask God what He has to say about it. Then put your faith in His Word—and find rest.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10 NIV).
[bctt tweet=”So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. ~ Is. 41:10 #RechargeWednesday” username=”PatHolbrook”]
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[bctt tweet=”LINKUP PARTY is open! Today, on her first post as our new contributor, @DebbieWWilson shares an encouraging word about how God gave her peace when she was afraid. JOIN US? ” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Debbie, so glad the mass was benign and thankful for all God’s encouragement to you through this. Thank you for sharing!
Bethany, it’s good to recall how God has stood with us in the past and how He never changes. Thank you!
Thankful you witnessed the personal presence of God in this. And that He gave you eyes to see Him in it–so you can bless someone with this powerful and encouraging narrative. May it bring peace to another . . . and glory to God.
Amen, Debbra! I love how He does that.
Hi Debbie! Thank you for sharing how God comforted you during a difficult time. Also, thank you for sharing Isaiah 41:10. It is a timely reminder for me. Continued blessings to you!
Joy, I have Is. 41:10 framed. It is a wonderful reminder to trust God’s care.
Oh, Debbie, your story is such an inspiration–not merely because you had a good outcome, but mostly because of the way God demonstrated His power through you.
Michele, I agreee. Such times can become sweet moments when we experience Him.
Good News + Faith = Rest.
Wow, Debbie. Love your story and this line. Thankful your surgery went well, the mass was not cancer, and the best part? God’s peace enveloped you like never before.
Thank you, Karen! God is good.
The Good news of His Word + Faith = rest, peace.
Remembering this as I tackle my writing projects today.
Thank you for sharing.
Nylse, we can apply that in many areas, can’t we?
Debbie,
I so needed your message today!! It is so essential to have the key element of faith if we want the Good News to produce rest. Thank you for taking me back to one of my favorite verses and reminding me of God’s desire for good health in one I don’t visit as often. Your post has been a blessing this morning.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Glory to God! That blesses me to know He spoke to you through it.
God is so sweet to us. I love all the ways he comforted you and gave you peace. laurensparks.net
Thank you, Lauren.
It reminded me of my mother being diagnosed with cancer from an X ray some 15 yrs ago. I walked in her room and felt such profound sadness. I laid hands on her and prayed, fortunately she had told the dr, she didn’t believe it. She did not have cancer but had a hysterectomy, mainly from being overworked as a caregiver in my opinion. Believing God’s report, Isaiah 53 was at work. Even the other day as I have prayed for cancer patients and only a month ago lost a prayer warrior friend at 51, I reminded her and told her I believed she did have it and was healed and I still thanked Him for it, I was having trouble praying for people after losing a friend but I know she was just tired after third battle. On a happier note, I love poodles, they have been a joy and blessing to me. I have a Yorkie now.
Rebecca, it sounds like God has given you a special ministry. Our pets are gifts aren’t they?
Praise God Debbie!
I had an experience this year with “Metastases” stated on my CT scan report.
I reflected upon thus in “Breathe….just breathe!”
https://teawithjennifer.blog/2018/08/31/breathe/
Blessings,
Jennifer
Jennifer, some words can really shake us. I love Randy Alcorn’s words, “The faith that can’t be shaken is the faith that has been shaken.”