Pacing around my living room, it took everything in me to hold back violent screams. I did it! However, soon after, I knew I could no longer hold back; the excruciating stomach pains were unbearable. I had to tell my 12-year-old daughter that I was going to leave her at home to go to urgent care. She should watch TV and check her email for any communication from me. My husband was abroad. She had the computer.
One day, during an emergency response, I clutched my stomach and, not knowing where to go, cried out to God: “Have mercy on me, Father! Help!!!” Hunched over, I couldn’t say much more, because the pain was more powerful than any contraction I’d ever felt, and relentless. No food would be left behind.
All I wanted was to continue living. I cried out to God to heal me, help me, and comfort me.
Ten hours later, I arrived at the emergency room and then at the hospital. I went home, then went back to the emergency room, which led me to surgery.
God didn’t heal me, but He certainly got me through it.
When I screamed in the waiting room, he helped me survive.
When I was told about the surgery, it happened: perfect peace from the One who is the Prince of Peace.
When I debated how I could actually live more, there, he took my husband home while I went into surgery.
When I didn’t know what to do, he brought me a maverick, authoritative surgeon who spoke my language.
He was there with me!
I can never escape your Spirit!
I can never escape your presence!
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave,[a] You’re there.
9 If I ride on the wings of the morning,
if I live on the shores of the most distant oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will sustain me… (Ps. 139:7-10 NLT)
How is God with you, in the struggle, in the pain, in the problem, in the problem that you face? Maybe He doesn’t deliver you exactly as you hoped, but I ask you: how is He there with you? How does it help you?
Thank you! Give thanks with a grateful heart. His deliverance is his presence.
Let us give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love lasts forever. (Psalm 136:1)
This is what I see now. He didn’t take away the pain, but he carried me all the way down his back and that was enough!
I live. I give him all the glory. His ways are best. Let us never forget.
a determined faith
Kelly, a fun, active, and spunky mom to two rambunctious toddlers, spends her days pushing swings, changing diapers, and pursuing the Lord with all her heart. Called the “Cheerleader of Faith,” Kelly’s greatest desire is to help women live passionately, purposefully, and unhindered for the Lord.
