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Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV 2011)
The e-mail response to my recent devotional of July 2nd, regarding my total hip replacement surgery, was overwhelming, as many readers were apparently able to relate to my plight. Now, in following up, I wish to share how God made all my complaints and fears seem silly.
Being a total "control freak" and always pushing forward, things around me often happen as a result of my own efforts. If there's a need to fill, whether it's driving someone or perhaps visiting a shut-in, I try to meet that need. This is not to say that I believe that these good deeds are moving me closer to heaven — they're not — but I am compelled to try and do as Christ would have done and still rely on His grace for my salvation.
Imagine my shock when I was facing six weeks of recovery from the hip surgery and especially being unable to drive myself for that period! Frankly, I was terrified of the surgery, not only because I knew that it wasn't the "bounce-back" type of health issue that I was used to, but also because I would need to depend on others for an extended period. In my foolishness, I felt sure that I would be alone and lonely for that six-week period, and that people would go on with their own lives and forget about me. The truth is that I was terrified of it all.
With a job and three children under the age of eleven, my daughter took time from her work and her family and stayed with me for a week. My wonderful son-in-law picked up the slack in their home. Additionally, friends and neighbours were offering to drive me everywhere, once I felt able to go. I really didn't miss an event the whole time that I was "grounded", because kind-hearted people actually did think about me and made sure that I was okay and had transportation when needed.
The experience was humbling: I had discounted God's mercy and the caring of all these people! Through this experience, I have learned that the whole process would have been much less stressful if I had just trusted that God would provide what I needed, both physically and practically. Then, I would have had peace in my spirit instead of fear. How does this speak to you?
Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (NIV 2011)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You know what we need even before we are aware! Help us to trust You more, to "let go and let God". Also, Lord, please keep us mindful that there are others who are suffering or feeling abandoned, and lead us to provide support to them for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – In Niger — We started "Sahel Lite" for students still in Niger, four half-day weeks, but our High School is fully online. As the Online Course Coordinator this term, this adds to my management load. Pray for good communication with staff and students. Continue to pray for a peaceful resolution to the country's situation and a good plan moving forward for the government.
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Good news Karen.
Thank you for your encouraging words! I needed to hear God’s voice today.
Wonderful story of God’s teaching Karen. Thanks for sharing, blessings,
(Ont )
Karen, thank you for sharing your experience in the aftermath of hip surgery. May God continue to bless your recovery. Blessings.
Karen, you’ve captured my feelings and fears quite well. That’s a good lesson for me, although I hope it won’t require surgery to learn it!!
Blessings.
Happy Friday Karen,
Greetings!
I am so pleased to hear that you are doing so much better, thanks for sharing this good news update.
Stay strong, and continue healing.
God is amazing!
Karen – thanks for another great devotional. How often I, like you, discount God’s mercy. This was a great reminder. Reading your devotional, I was reminded of Isaiah 65 v 24-25- and it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Hope you recovery continues well.
Good morning Karen
Thanks for your devotional this morning. Wonderful lesson! Just what a worrywart like me needs to hear.
It’s great to see you out and about & doing so well.
Blessings.
Oh – I understand completely Karen. This is one control freak speaking to another. Just not being in control of my everyday needs has been enough, in the past, to send me into a tailspin too. So pleased to hear you a re on the road to complete recovery.
Blessings, and thanking God for His Grace and Mercy – at all times!
(ON.)
Hi Karen,
What an amazing journey you are on! As you noted many can relate to your thoughts and fears! One of the things we learn from some difficult curves on life’s road is what to do with fear. And your devotional reminds me of a personal lesson that I too learned during a time of fearful events. It is this: our faith is stronger than our fear.
Thank you for sharing your story. May your faith keep on getting stronger as you heal to full health.
God bless you.
Thanks for your great message today. I am having surgery again, because the one I had previously did not turn out. I know what to expect because I had it done before, but like you I hate to have others do things for me. I love doing for others, but have a hard time when it is reversed. Thanks again for your message.
Hello Karen
What a good devotional! We all need that reminder that God does give us what we need in our lives. We are all slow to learn to “let go & let God” it seems…even though we know that’s what we should be doing.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was sure I’d be alone – no immediate family, my friends all work & have busy lives. I couldn’t have been more wrong in my thinking for my friends have been very supportive, helpful, and prayed for me. And they’ve continued as I had to go through chemo a second time.
I thank our Heavenly Father every night for the people He has brought into (& back into) my life to help me through this health issue.
Hope your hip is healing well. Do continue to write.
Greeting in the name of our Lord.
Yes, it is difficult when one becomes ill out of the blue. This happened to me several years ago. My life was full. I was suddenly very ill, after 3 months, the shell of what I had been came home. I could no longer drive. Nor could I do all the house hold things I loved to do.
My whole way of life was changed for good.
However, while I was ill and slowly getting better, God taught me how to accept help, and just how many caring friends I had. I am, even now, receiving help and caring from not only a loving husband, but friends who have taken over from my own children who live in other countries. So I bless you and others who are able to write a daily devotion and that way up lift we, who simply need inspiration to keep going. Thank you.
Karen – Your experience is more common than we realize; we all want to be “in control” but there are times when we must depend on others – especially, the Lord. Thanks for sharing this happening in your life with us.
God bless,
(California USA)
Dear Karon Abbott,
I loved this piece that you put in:
This is not to say that I believe that these good deeds are moving me closer to heaven – they’re not – but I am compelled to try and do as Christ would have done and still rely on His grace for my salvation.
Keep writing.