My appointment is at 10:40am tomorrow, so shortly I should know a bit more about what the future holds. In the meantime, though, I have been blown away by the sheer number of people praying for me. As my father put it tonight (approximately), “I don’t know how these things work, but if quantity of prayer matters, I think you’re covered.” Indeed! Scripture says that where two or three are gathered in the Lord’s name, He is there with them (Matthew 18:20). Tonight, six of my friends gathered to pray in my house, and I know many, many more have been praying elsewhere. I’ve been told I’m on prayer lists at churches whose names I have never even heard. There is no doubt that God is here.
As I wait for my appointment tomorrow, this passage comes to mind:
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
“Even if he does not.” That is what I find so impressive about those three men. They knew God was able. They just didn’t know if He would. But they were not going to let the circumstances, no matter how grim, steal their faith. I told my husband tonight that I feel like I have wrapped my mind around the idea of the surgery, and I’m okay with it. A cancer diagnosis, however, would be a pretty hard hit. So now I find myself staring into my own furnace, knowing that God is able but not knowing if He will. I know He can deliver me. But even if He does not, may I still trust Him as fully as I ever have and more.
The Lord has commanded us to pray, and He would not command us to do something that was a waste of time. I do not know how God is moving, but I know He is. Our prayers are not futile; our labor in the Lord is not in vain. I thank you from the depths of my heart for laboring on my behalf. The Lord listens, and He is here. Praise the Lord!
May God continue to bless you and your neighbor through you, for you have certainly blessed me!
Allison, you have been lifted high above all that surrounds you. Only God is your priority now. He is fully in control and wants your undivided attention. He has blessed you beyond measure and is giving you all the love needed. His wisdom he has bestowed on you. His revelation he will give you as needed. Just rest in his peace today and let those around you and far away support you with our unending prayers today. This is ‘aways’ a ‘win-win’ situation, for God is in it. You will always come out the victor. No matter what the ‘walk’ He is Always with you.
Allison, we will continue to pray. You are encouraging my heart and strengthening my faith as you walk through this trial. Thank you for allowing us all to walk it with you.
Love and blessings, Debbie Bennetch
Allison, I am right there with what Debbie said.
A number of years ago, you shared with me an experience you had with the Holy Spirit during one of your devotional times. You were in your back yard, on a hammock I believe, reading your Bible and praying when you were suddenly filled with energy, power, joy and peace like you had never experienced before. May you and your entire family feel His presence as you did then.
Yours in Christ and with love, Bill Kepner.
Bill, thank you. Yes, I remember that day well, and I love that you remember me telling you about it! I have felt that through all of this so far, God has given me a measure of peace I could not have on my own. It is still hard, but I do not doubt that He is in control and that it’s going to be okay. Your prayers mean so much to me. Thank you, thank you.