This week I had an unexpected surgery. Out of the blue. I was doing great and three hours later, I felt like truck had run over me and was in the hospital.
I knew something was very very wrong. My left knee had blown up like a balloon, was very sore and hot to touch. This was particularly troubling because I had just had knee cap surgery 9 weeks before and had been warned about the dangers of infection...
To make a long story short... I am doing well. In 24 hours my knee was cultured, I found out that I had an awful knee infection, I had surgery (again!) and am now in the hospital on iv antibiotics. I feel much better but the doctors say I must stay here for a little while. Not quite what I wanted to hear! And my fever is jumping all over the readings on the thermometer! Not great news.
But I am at peace about it all!
One very big thing I had going for me was PRAYER! I have the most wonderful group of bible study women who are real prayer warriors and one of my dear friends got the word out quick.
My family is continually lifting me up in prayer too!
I also have an army of facebook friends that are so generous in their prayers and good thoughts!
I am so thankful beyond words for all the prayers and continuing prayers they are raising up before the Lord in my behalf.
I could really "feel" the prayers for me.
How you ask?
I felt a peace that went far beyond my circumstances! I felt a "shalom" or wholeness in all of my circumstances even though some of the outcomes of my problems could have been very serious and still are a little troublesome.
This really got me thinking...
What is the connection between prayer and peace? And what does the sovereignty of God have to do with all of that?
This is a very familiar verse in the Bible...
Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
No where in God's word does it say to pray and God will give you just what you want! God is not a Santa Clause or even a Tooth Fairy. HE is THE KING! A benevolent, all-loving KING! A King with a plan for our very best, that far exceeds what we can see or imagine. His plan is one for eternity!
You see prayer, true prayer is an act of faith. It shows God that you believe in Him. In all He says... in all He is... in all He can do. It also says that you believe that He is SOVEREIGN.
It is an act of spiritually bowing down before the KING of everything and bringing your wants and needs before him. It is believing that He will give us the peace He promises... a peace... a shalom that we will experience in spite of our circumstances. Prayer is trusting our all knowing, all wise, all just, all merciful, all powerful, all gracious KING to do not only right by us, but best for us! Even if it is not what we want!
Let's get back to these wonderful verses above and take a look at what they say...
Don't worry... in the closest translation to the original Greek it really says don't be anxious. The word anxious is "merimnao'" . It is the idea of being drawn in opposite directions, of a part ripped away from the whole, moving away from the whole.
This is stunning when we look at the word for peace. "Shalom" means total wholeness. A state of perfection... all the parts of us working together and in harmony.. the way our great Creator intended.
So, when we worry or are anxious our wholeness is disturbed and pulled apart. Isn't that so fascinating? God knows!
God says don't worry about anything. Don't let anything steal or pull apart your shalom! The bible speaks in many places about worry. It says it can't do one thing to help any circumstance. It is a thief. It steals our peace and the bible says it weighs us down.
Worry is such a natural reaction. When we start to listen and heed that part of us, we need to pray all the more! Worry hurts us. Concern is different from worry!
The next part of the verse says to tell God what we want and thank Him for what He has done. I love the idea that I can come before the Throne of all creation and boldly request things of God.But that is only half of it... we must remember to always tell Him thank you for His grace... His undeserved blessing to us for they are countless and wonderful! And just like any parent God loves when we recount the good He has done for us! It's a way of showing God we love Him.
And the peace... shalom... wholeness of God which exceeds...
Exceeds is the idea of being so superior to anything else, so far above and beyond it's inconceivable!
And that above and beyond, superior wholeness will guard...
Guard is a word that depicts a sentinel, a military armed guard protecting us. So this peace, this wholeness will be an like an armed, trained military guard over our mind and our heart. It will keep worry and all the demons of fear and things that are ungodly out of our thoughts, emotions, will and intellect.
And who is this promise for? For those IN CHRIST. Those who are in an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Let's put this together....
Do not worry or be pulled apart by anything. But instead, pray about everything! Run to God and tell Him your needs, your story, pour it all out! And remember to tell Him thank you. Remember what He has done for you in the past and the way He worked in your life and tell Him about it in a thankful way.
And because you are in a saving relationship with His son Jesus, God will put a guard as big and as strong as an armed military man around your mind and your heart. He will bring a wholeness to your life that exceeds your circumstances and is far above and beyond what you ever could have imagined!
I don't know about you... but that is how I want to live.
I know that there are much bigger problems than a knee infection. And life is filled with uncertainty.
But I also know that worry is an enemy and it tries to steal our emotions and clear thinking. God however is the giver and guarder of our mind and heart (mind, will ,emotion and intellect) and wants to guard them so we can experience our best thinking, our best emotional stability our best decisions in bad situations. He wants to bring His wonderful wholeness into our times of trial and crisis!
I pray that in your times of crisis you run towards God and let Him supply His peace to you and your situation!
And we'll continue to pray for your healing! I hope you feel well enough to enjoy a little pampering as you recuperate!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
What a wonderful blog you have created Yvonne - I look forward to reading you daily! On a personal note, I woke up a few days ago with the right side of my face swollen like a chipmunk with nuts stored in his cheek - and very, very tender. After a quick trip to the medi-center I found out it is an infected salivary gland and now I am on serious antibiotics until they find out what is causing this. Out of the blue! Really makes you stand back and look at life and your relationships and putting your trust in God. Hope everything turns out well with you and love that you are at PEACE! Maureen (from Western Canada).
ReplyDeletePraying for your continued swift recovery. I too believe we can "feel" prayers. Get well soon my friend.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for a swift recovery. And thank you for this post. I'm a big time worry wart and reference this verse frequently. Worry does take so much away from your spiritual and physical life and is not from God.
ReplyDeleteGod's Peace!
Julia from SC
Keeping the prayers coming for a quick recovery for you. Thank you for such a lovely post too. I enjoy your insight and blog so much.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Cynthia's Vintage in VA
Heal quickly and take good care of yourself during this time. Di
ReplyDeleteWhat a lesson for us all, Yvonne. Peace and prayers for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration and a true warrior for all goodness. Blessings and healing to you! Susan, OCNJ
ReplyDeleteI will say a prayer for you. Sending positive healing thoughts!
ReplyDeleteTake care -Shelley
This is the best message! I especially like your words, "I felt a peace that went far beyond my circumstances! I felt a "shalom" or wholeness..." It is a joy to run to God, for He is our Father, whether we skin our knee or fall and can't get up. Bless you, Yvonne! XOXO
ReplyDeleteWhat a great message! Prayers going up for you!
ReplyDeleteSharon
Totally sorry you had this bump in the road of your recovery and trust the antibiotics do their thing well .. . Get rest!
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you since reading your Facebook post. You are amazing hammering out a blog post so eloquently written even with a fever while in the hospital. Blessings for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this Yvonnne! I pray you feel better soon.. Keep calm and rest! You will be better soon. Blessings!
ReplyDeletePrayers sent Yvonne for you and those who are caring for you. Take time to heal your body and all those fabulous ideas you have waiting for us will be there when your doing better.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking and praying for you since you posted about your knee on fb the other day. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ Number Fifty-Three
Oh how terrifying! Thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and thanking you for posting this today. I have felt fear this weekend over health. God used you today to bring me Peace. Thank you and Thank you to our Lord and Savior! Amen
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings
Linda Marsh
i enjoy reading your blog, especially on Sunday! So sorry about your knee, I hope that you get better soon. God Bless you and Keep you. Know that I'm praying for you and for your healing! Love in Christ Marian Jane
ReplyDeleteI wish you a very speedy recovery, Yvonne! There is too much to be done to be lying in bed not feeling well although you seem to be handling the situation in stride. I enjoyed this post and especially like the way you explain that God does not answer our every request just the way we want Him to answer them. For most of my life I had heard ministers say ask and you will receive and I believed it. The realization that God knows what He is doing and knows what is best for me was learned years after the passing of my second child. I still do not understand why it happened but I am a much better Christian and have more faith and trust than I did as a young mother begging for a miracle for my child. For some reason that was not His plan but He allowed me to question, learn and grow to be a better person. By the way, I have absolute faith that we will be reunited with healthhy new bodies in heaven. This is more info than you need for this post but I felt the need to say it when I read your insightful words concerning faith and prayer. Take care and be well soon!!!! Thanks for taking the time to do this post even while not feeling well.
ReplyDeleteLinda
First, I hope you are continuing to heal. And now for the thanks, for the reminder of what I try to find my peace with every day. What a fabulous job you just did in this post. Perhaps writing this post was the reason for your infection -- someone somewhere needed to read your words. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteAnd that would make this whole experience so worth it! thanks
DeleteFeel better soon!! I'm so sorry you've had this setback. You inspire me, and so many others! *hug* If I lived down the street I'd bring you dinner :)
ReplyDelete~April
So sorry that you have an infection in one of your knees. Please take care of yourself and hurry and get well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, thank you so much. I will be praying for your speed recovery.
Mary
Sorry athat you are not feeling well. Hope that you make
ReplyDeletea speedy recovery. Prayers for you and I also pray
that your son Christopher is feeling better after his
surgery.
Denise
Blessings to you, lovely Yvonne! Even in troubling times, God is using you to bring glory to Himself! May you heal quickly and feel "whole" again physically very soon! Take care!
ReplyDeletePraying for you,
Nici
Take care.. your outlook on everything will get you through this:)
ReplyDeleteHope you feel much better soon.
I just found your blog a couple months ago...and I read it daily! I find your decorating tips and your recipes wonderful...... your sweet ministry and the truth you "speak" (or type) is very uplifting and comforting to me. I am praying for you now...that God will continue you to provide you with peace, that He guides the doctors so that your recovery is swift and that you are able to return quickly to your beautiful home for a full recuperation.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I had no idea - your poor darling!
ReplyDeleteI am on my way to Mass in a few minutes - praying now and will offer up big time prayer in church as well.
Yvonne, you have such Faith. I love that about you. Hang in there, spoil yourself with rest and peace - get well soon. We're here for you and we'll be waiting for you when you get back. No fears, no worries. Hugs and love.
Oh wow, Yvonne. I am so sorry to hear this, but so glad you are getting the proper care. I will continue to pray. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletePrayers for you Yvonne, for complete healing in your knee and the infection to be gone. Thank you for your eloquent reminder of the enemy of worry to our hearts and the joy of His perfect peace (nothing missing, nothing broken). This kind of peace is found only with the Father of creation. Hope your stay in the hospital will be brief and you can soon resume all your activities. Be well and at peace, Linda
ReplyDeleteYvonne-
ReplyDeleteI'll put you in my prayers and ask my personal prayer warriors to join me. What a miraculous gift peace is! I've faced many difficult situations with peace in my heart knowing that I gave it over to Him. I'm amazed at how much you accomplish and still find time to share with us, so I know that it is not your nature to lay low and heal, but I'll also pray that you have patience to do so!!!!!
Caring hugs,
Linda @ A Toile Tale
I know that God does not always answer our prayers EXACTLY the way we want but by what is BEST for us. You know I, along with SO many others are praying for you. Listen to the Doctors and you will be home soon. MUCH love, Pinky
ReplyDeletePraying for you Yvonne. I thought something must be up when I didn't see a post from you for a couple days. Always a sign something is amiss and a cue to start praying. Lifting you up.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Praying for your swift recovery and hope you continue healing. Warm hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteI am praying that the infection goes very quickly.
ReplyDeleteHugs Kay
I hope you heal up quickly. Chronic pain is life changing. I hope you are back to your old self soon and by looking at these comments you have heaps of well wishes and prayers helping you along, including mine.
ReplyDeleteoxox
Linsey
Yvonne, your post today lifted my spirit in so many ways. Thank you for your words. Prayers will be sent your way and God will continue to bless you for your devotion to Him.
ReplyDelete~Yvonne~
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if everything was okay when I was missing your posts in my emails, it was like missing an old friend. So sorry about your storm you are going thru, and you will be completely healed soon!
Prayers for you and your son for a speedy recover.
Paula
IN.
I am so sorry to hear of your setback. I am praying for a quick and complete recovery.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and hope for a speedy recovery!! marcy
ReplyDeleteA long day and just now checking your blog for your devotion. Just reading all the comments, you have warmhearted friends and followers. Get well soon and I too, will be praying for you. Kathleen in Az
ReplyDeleteI wish you well!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Karen B ~ Todolwen
When you experience the peace of God, you'll never forget the comfort, warmth and confidence it brings. More prayers for you, from me.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope you have a speedy recovery. And, thank you for writing this post for all of us! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne.... pouring out to others even though you are going through your own painful time....beautiful testimony of Our Father's Love in your life! 'Blog world' is new to this empty nester and your lovely 'ehome' has been like a warm and welcoming neighbour! Shalom from Saskatchewan!
ReplyDeleteWe're praying for your recovery. So sorry for the set back. Thanks for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yvonne! This is such a beautiful post. It put peace in my heart. There are so many bad things happening in Canada and I am just so very concerned for my beautiful country which is no longer the Canada I knew when I was growing up and it depresses me to the point that I did not know anymore how to pray for the needs of my country. I know that when I pray, I need to have charity in my heart and I was so angry and revolted. But this post really put me back on the right track! I have also prayed for the healing of your knee and for both knees to never bother you again. Take care!
ReplyDeleteHope your recovery is quick...praying that you have full strength and you are back on your feet soon! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteJudy
This passage keeps coming to me, on multiple, multiple occasions over the past couple of years when I need a reminder. And it came to me again today as I happened upon this blog entry. God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform! Thank you for sharing your testimony. It blessed me, and I'm sure it has blessed and will continue to bless others.
ReplyDeleteTania