The second thing was on Wednesday at the Y: While riding the stationery bicycle, I listened to a sermon called Yes, You Can by Andy Stanley. It is a part of a series named, In The Meantime...what do you do when you can do nothing about the situation you are in. Boy, was he talking to me. That is exactly how I felt. There has been nothing I could do abou tthis situation since the beginning mammogram in May. And, now, nothing had changed that. There was still nothing I could DO! YET, this sermon really spoke to me. The verse was Philippians 4:13--I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He explained that most people who quote that scripture do not use it in the context with which it was written. He went to talk about the verses in front of that scriptrue, in particular Philippians 4:7-- I have learned to be content. 4:13 is in reference to that idea of being content... no matter the circumstances. We all know the situations Paul was in during his life--shipwrecked, beaten..... on and on. yet, Paul was able to say....I have learned to be content. That was me.. My situation and where I was at that very moment in time. I was content "at peace", even knowing what I might be facing. It was great to hear how Andy put it. He said in short version to say:
"I can't. You (Christ) can! You can do it through me."
It is about being at peace no matter what is going on around you and in your life.I want to live this verse and this principle out during this time and situation.
WOW!! It was a cool feeling to know Christ was working in me and I was continuing to have the peace I had from the first day on.
And, third on Thursday, September 4th, we headed to Table Rock for the SC CMA State Rally. I was riding alone and listening to Andy Stanley sermons. I received a text from Angie V. about asking me to consider getting a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in breast cancer surgeries. Hmmmm, I thought. Maybe I will. I gave the GP doctor a call and asked the receptionist. She said she would ask the doctor and give me a call back, but she thought it was a good idea. Later that day she called to say he had said yes and the referral department would be calling me soon. Later on, to my surprise, they called to say I had an appointment on Monday, September 8 with Dr. Beatty. Thank you, Lord.
I has asked my friends who were going to the rally NOT to say anything to anyone at the rally about my situation. I explained I did not want to be at the center of the rally, having to explain over and over my situation. I did not think I could handle all of that emotion. I give the Lord the praise that my friends honored my wishes and only a few people came to me and asked me about the situation and prayed with me. One of the chapter prayer leaders came to me and asked me if he could anoint me oil and pray for me. He felt the Holy Spirit had led him to me to do this. I was honored and humbled by the prayer leaders' acts of kindness and their willingness to pray. Saturday night, three couples from one of the chapters came to the front and asked me if they could pray for me and Norm and the family. What a sweet blessing that was!
It seems I don't have time to be "down". The Lord keeps sending me notes, messages, cards or calls from His ministering angels.
Sunday morning, Norm was closing out the rally and got choked up he asked the group to be in prayer for me. Afterwards, a group of ladies came to me and asked if they could pray for me, now that I had spent the weekend serving them. Of course, I agreed. Turning down prayer is not a good idea. I so appreciated that they cared and wanted to pray. Powerful ladies!!!
Psalm 55:22--- Cast your cares on the Lord and he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Also Heb.13:5 I will never leave you nor forsake you.
What great promises from the Lord!!
My Rocks for the week:
Garth Winsor
Keith Honeycutt
Vivian Clardy
Marsha Burns
Sandy Dandridge --suggested a new book The Best Yes
Darcy Turner sent me the following devotional: HOW TRUE
When you face a crisis, what is your first line of defense? The natural response is to attempt to fix the problem in your own strength. God, however, gives us a different way to handle difficulty.
David was no stranger to pressure or sudden appearances of evil. When he wrote Psalm 57, he was facing many hardships—including pursuit by King Saul, who wanted to kill him (1 Sam 24). The shepherd’s response was to cry out to God and take refuge in Him until the calamity had passed.
Let’s learn from David’s example by exploring his words. Today, we will focus on the One to whom the psalmist cries.
First, David refers to God as El Elyon, or Supreme Ruler; He is the Most High with all power and wisdom, the only One who can help us in our need.
Second, the Psalm says that God is our refuge. If He is a place of shelter for our soul, then we need not fear. He hovers over us and protects us when crises arise and leave us feeling helpless.
Third, the Psalm expresses complete confidence that the Almighty can and will accomplish all things. He will do whatever is necessary to intervene on our behalf, to hold accountable those who oppose us, and to surround us with His love and truth.
During His time on earth, Jesus displayed great passion. Therefore, we can approach Him when emotions run high. If your heart is troubled, cry out to the Lord. Know that you come before the throne of Him who is a powerful protector, capable and willing to do all you need.
Hard to believe it had only been 10 days since the news!! At times, the clock seemed to stand still. And, yet I had so much to do following that August day that I didn't have much to sit and ponder the diagnosis and its implications.
You can do everything through him!!
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