This Wednesday is the beginning of Glenkirk's Women's Bible Study, of which I am Chairperson. The summer has been busy with decisions, phone calls, and prayer for this year. I am very excited to meet the women that God has brought to the study, and I am extra excited about the team of leaders God chose to facilitate small group discussions.
When I accepted this position, I knew there would be some opposition by Satan. As strongly as I see God at work in this world by faithful and good people, I know that there is an enemy who does not want us to succeed in anything that will unite people for Christ. And so, the attacks have started on my own health and energy. It is hard to plow through all the communication and decisions when lethargy it at it's peak due to lack of sleep and pain medication.
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
However, I have Christ working on my behalf, which is more powerful than any energy boosting drink on the market. He promises that when two or more are gathered He is there, and so we gathered. The faithful prayer warriors of my church came together for me to pray over my pain, and to order Satan through the power of Christ to back off. In a way that can only be the work of the Holy Spirit (who prompts and moves us), a woman at church with the gift of healing arrived at our prayer meeting, and not knowing where my pain was, put her hand over the knot in my shoulder and we prayed. I have not had to take pain medication since! I love the way God works!
Having said that, I proceeded with a blood panel and City of Hope, under the suspicion that I might be anemic. Unfortunately, that is not the case and some tumor markers are up, so I have to go through more testing this week. Pray for Thursday and Friday tests results.
Meanwhile, many know my Dad was in the hospital for six weeks this summer. We praise God that he is getting stronger every day. He lost over 35 pounds, which is so much better for him, and he is not letting any grass grow under his feet, although he still battles fatigue when he does too much.
My Mother just had hip replacement surgery on 8/24, and had quite the rough road to recovery due to pain. It was a week of ups and some real downs, but hopefully now she is on the way to better days now that she is home.
My girls started school on 8/20, and all is well. They both are in vital years that depend on high grades for things to come. Rachel has a very intense schedule in her Junior year at Bonita. Michelle also has a solid schedule. Soccer and other activities have started up and made life both busy and exciting.
Next on the agenda is keeping Jon is prayer as he goes in for a heart ablation on 9/12. Anytime a person goes under anesthesia, and related to the heart, it is a bit scary. We are praying specifically for good results so that he can eliminate some medication.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4
I was reminded this morning in my Bible reading that we are covered by the grace and mercy of God. Even though times feel tough, and things are swirling around us that may feel out of control, He is constantly by our side. Believer or non-believer in Christ, life is still hard. I am constantly blessed by the promises of God to be my protector and shield. Being a believer and child of God definitely has its privileges!
These may be crazy/busy times, but doing the Lord's work is very satisfying, and despite the distractions and concerns for people around me, I know that I would not be happy if I were not moving forward to disciple others on what it means to follow Jesus.
Blessings,
Sandy
