Oliver's surgery is coming up really soon. Next Friday, to be exact. I've been putting off thinking about it too much. I've thought about it just enough in the last few weeks to pray about it. About it going well, for God to guide the hands of every doctor and nurse that will touch Oliver, for Oliver to recover well, and for our anxiety level to be under control. And that's about the extent of my dwelling on it.
Today Oliver woke up with a runny nose. I don't know if it's a cold or what, but it is causing me some worry. Which is blending into worry about the surgery. If Oliver is still sick next Friday, which happens sometimes when he gets sick, I don't know what they will do about the surgery. So, finally today, I've been allowing myself some anxiety.
I went to the mailbox and found a bright blue greeting card envelope. It's nowhere near a birthday for us, so I wondered who was sending a card. It was addressed to Oliver, and it was from a woman in Stillwater. I recognize the name, I think, and she is most definitely a friend of John's parents. I open up this card on the day I am feeling anxious about his surgery and read that this sweet lady "just wanted to send some love and prayers" for Oliver. There is no doubt in my mind that God prompted her to send a Get Well card for our son before his surgery, because his mama was going to need a reminder that He is in all things. That little mama was going to need a reminder that God commands us not to worry. Who sends a Get Well card more than a week before a surgery? Especially to someone they barely know, and whose child they have never met? Thank you, God, for looking out for your children. And thank you to Ms. W for listening to God when He gave you the idea to put a little note in the mail.
Proverbs 12:25 - An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Matthew 6:34 - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 - (Jesus saying...) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 43:2-3 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior
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May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
4 comments:
Oliver will be fine, as will you and John.
Hi Tara,
Thank you for sharing the dates of Oliver's surgery and also the story about the card. I had recently printed out Hebrews 3:7-8 Therefore, just as the Holy Sprit says, Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts - so the story of the card really resonated with me - thank you.
Tara, Thanks for sharing the story of the card and the verses. I was feeling down about Oliver's surgery and my sister's problem, but the story and verses really helped. I praise God for my precious daughter-in-law.
I will be praying for you, John, and Oliver in the coming days.
Thank you for the reminder about worry. I loved getting to see all the verses that you found to be encouraging to you. You picked some good ones!
I remember not long ago, when I was particularly anxious about something, I read a devotional that had the verse, "Be STILL and KNOW that I am God." You are so right when you said that God sent this lady to encourage you the very time you needed it the most. Thank you for sharing...
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