I’ve already beaten it. This sickness. I still have to go through surgery and recovery and that might suck a little. But I have already beaten this thing because Jesus is still praised and Jesus is still good.
A few months ago, I saw Josh Garrels perform and he said something that has stuck with me ever since. We are not meant to walk through life alone. We are especially not meant to face trials alone. We were created for relationships. Most importantly with God, but with our brothers and sisters, as well. We were created to walk hand in hand, kindred by the most compelling of loves. Because when we walk together in faith, we become “more than conquerors” of trouble and hardship.
Last night, about 15 people gathered and worshipped in the presence of the Holy Spirit. I didn’t know what it would look like, but I felt the need to fill up my living room for Him. By six o’clock, everybody who was supposed to be there, was, praising the Lord in truth and joy. It could have been awkward because I’ve never held anything like that before but two of our awesome Young Life leaders, Jess and Scott, lead it as a time of song and prayer and just being with our sweet Savior. People read scripture and talked about what was on their hearts and as a community, we shared life. It was beautiful, it was revolutionary, it was like the days of old. And that’s why I’ve beaten it. Why we are conquering something bigger than a mass in my body. We are conquering death.
What I am listening to:
anything by Josh Garrels including this
If you're from around here, come to my house next Sunday at six. I think my friend and I are going to lead a time of worship again! (Mike, this is me asking you to play guitar)
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39
Anna,
ReplyDeleteI know Joan and Isabel and I'm so thankful they shared your blog with me. My husband and I are praying for you, especially for the Lord's peace and complete healing. Thank you for sharing your story! It is such a testament to God's unfailing love and faithfulness. Here are a few verses that I hope are encouraging from Psalm 103:
1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
We have u in our thoughts and prayers. God bless
ReplyDeleteWow Anna -- you are an awesome young lady and so worthy of imitation.
ReplyDeleteWe have never met, I am Katy (Stephens) Dobens. Your Grandma and Grandpa are my godparents and your Grandma Mary was my mother's best friend in High School back in Grosse Pointe MI.
I spent many vacations on Hilton Head with your mom and Aunt Joanie and think of them as family. We were all so worried about your news and have had you and your surgery and your speedy recovery in our hearts and prayers. I am so proud of you and your bold expression of your faith -- totally inspiring. God is definitely using you through this to lift and inspire others, me included!
I wish I could be there to give you a hug and let you know how many more people love and care for you and your family. Keep hanging on and hanging in. I think of you when I read this scripture. . .
Exodus 23:25
Worship the Lord you God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you. . . I will give you a full span of life.