Don't Worry, Pray

This calendar year has been a test of my faith. I have been learning that to speak of a truth in scripture and to put that truth into action are two different things.  Paul told Christians to not be anxious for anything. 

As I approached major surgery on June 6th, these were my anxieties:

·       The long surgery

·       The unknown – what else would the pathology report show?

·       The pain and recovery

·       The loss of feeling in my breasts

·       The scars – physical and emotional

A few nights before surgery, I actually became nauseous as I read over material about the surgery.  I showered and consciously suppressed screams deep in my soul, “No, no!”  The words of Paul poured into my mind, “Remember in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Paul was clear that every worry should be turned into a prayer.  I must choose to mentally let go of each anxiety and give them to God.  Time to put faith into action.

 I prayed, “Father, I know you are Sovereign. I know you are with me. I ask you, Holy Spirit, for help with this prayer, for the release of the anxieties. Show me, guide me, and empower me in this moment.  Father, as I drift into an induced sleep on June 6th, give me the image of Jesus with my face turned toward him.  Comfort me in the changes that will take place in my body. I know the skin and all it components are temporary. How grateful I am for the skilled doctors and technology available to me.  I am so conscious of those not as fortunate. Show me how I can help others in a greater way.”

Paul wrote to the Philippian believers to choose joy and kindness each day.  I believe he knew that life would bring difficulty and worry.  So as we face trials and hardships, Paul encourages us to turn each worry into a prayer.  Faith will replace fear and a Holy Spirit infused peace will invade our soul.  Rather than fixing our thoughts on the “negative” – the fear and worry, Paul encourages us to fix our minds on things that are

·       True – God loves me and cares for me

·       Honorable – my husband loves me and cares for me

·       Right – the surgery may save my life

·       Pure – Jesus

·       Lovely – a sunrise over the ocean

·       Admirable – the love of friends and family

·       Excellent – the word of God

·       Worthy of praise – God alone

As the gurney was rolled through the double doors into the surgical area on June 6th, one thought was paramount in my mind, “I love you Jesus. I love you, Jesus.”  Worry evaporated into the cold, sterile air.