Good morning…
One friend is a beloved member of four women’s ministry classes at Northside Church, two weekly, one monthly, and our summertime study group. This morning, she heads into total hip replacement surgery.
Our groups have formed a circle of support around our friend, texting encouragement, lifting prayers, believing in God’s power to heal. Over the past few days, a cascade of loving messages have been woven into our text strings.
One woman, who has endured many significant surgeries herself, sent an image that helps her to tangibly trust in the powerful presence of Jesus.
“I want to share this image I take with me into surgery,” she wrote. “Isaiah 41:13 says, ‘For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you Do Not Fear; I will help you.’ This always calms my spirit. You are in our prayers.”
“All of your words and thoughts and prayers are so lovely,” our friend responded yesterday afternoon. “I am collecting them like a bouquet that I will carry in my heart with me tomorrow.”
Then last night, she shared with us a perfectly timed devotional message. “I read this in today’s Upper Room — God’s synchronicity is amazing.”
God is palpably present with us in so many creative ways. Through words, images, Scripture verses, and perfectly timed devotional messages. Today our friend will get up and walk soon after her surgery, and I will send out to our groups an update from her husband as soon as I receive it.
Forming a circle of support, we bear witness to God’s healing power.
These are some of the last words our friend will read before she goes under anesthesia. After all, it is I, the Eternal One your God, who has hold of your right hand, who whispers in your ear, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13, VOICE).
…Sue…
