When I was younger I battled with fear. I have worked hard to overcome it because nothing good comes of it. For the most part I feel like I have a handle on it now, but every so often it tries to rears its ugly head.
Last week I went to see my doctor for a “yearly” exam (that I haven’t had in 7 years). I know, I know, I’m not proud of that I’m just letting you know - it’s been a while. (If you are a guy and you’re reading this you may want to click out now and go read the paper or something.)
During the routine visit the doctor performed a breast exam. She stopped mid-exam and with a concerned look on her face ask me, “Have you ever felt this before?” She was referring to a small lump that she was fingering. I hadn’t. I don’t know how I missed it but I did.
She immediately set-me up for a mammogram and an ultrasound to investigate. Right about then is when my fearful nature would have kicked into overdrive. The “what if____” questions were beginning to circle, taunting me to fill in the blanks. I didn’t want the “what if’s” to prevail so I reached for a promise. This verse was the first one that popped into my head:
You will keep her in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.
(I changed the pronouns to suit myself :))
That’s the part of the verse that I remembered. So that’s what I did. I started to think about the fact that no one loves me more than God does and He’s the one in control of everything in my life.
I went about my day in peace. Peace throughout the mammogram. Peace throughout the ultrasound. I’m telling you, I had an overwhelming sense of PEACE. His word is true, His promises are for TODAY.
When I got home I looked it up the verse and found it in Isaiah. But there was more to it than just the part I had remembered. Here it is in its entirety.
Isaiah 26:3 (New King James Version)
You will keep her in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because she trusts in You.
In that simple verse there is a promise, a condition and a reason.
The promise – He will keep you in perfect peace
The condition – If you keep your mind STAYED on Him.
The reason - Because we trust Him
Don’t waste a single moment today worrying or fearing for tomorrow. Don’t let what only may be rob you of what is today.
Lord, help me today and everyday to keep my mind stayed on you and help me to trust you with everything I am.
Love,
Tracey
P.S. Turned out to be a complex cyst that they will biopsy. I’ll keep you posted – prayers appreciated!!
Tracey,
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note of encouragement...The Big ____ hit me two years ago when I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). I understand the fear factor. Though the enemy comes to seek and destroy. I stand on God's promises and claim his report! Two years later and minus one kidney.. I'm CANCER FREE!!!!I view these times as an opportunity to stand before the enemy and proclaim I'm a KING'S DAUGHTER bring it on. Can't touch this...Thank you for sharing, I think it's awesome to see how God is using you and Cynda. Praying for both of you and the ministry God has given you.
Blessings, Shirleen
Shirleen,
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you! Thanks for the encouragement. I am so glad to hear that you are ALL better!! Hopefully one day you can come to one of FTGI's events. I'd love to see you.
Love,
Tracey
Hello Tracey! :) You look beautiful in the new color pic! I think the Warrior Chick book by Holly Wagner that FTGI used or recommended goes along with the health-issue scares. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU! Speaking from a Nursing standpoint--yes, medical tests can be frightening. Keep us all posted for prayer requests. It is a privilege and honor to pray for you and Cynda and your respective families! :)
ReplyDeleteLove, in Christ, Julia