6. Strength…

The day of surgery had finally arrived. I was up at 4.30am to prepare for arrival at the hospital for 6.30am. Showering with the special soap. Ensuring I had packed everything for a 10- 14 day hospital stay. I arrived at the hospital with my husband. My steady rock in the midst of the trauma. I checked in at my “hotel”, got my freebie vouchers for the daily paper and husband’s lunches, and headed down to the in-patient ward. Put on the special socks and gown and the fancy red shower cap and was wheeled to the pre-waiting room alone. Was I ready? Did I have the strength to face what was to come? The strength to wait and hope? Where would my strength come from?

I love you, Lord my strength, The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold…

For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and keeps my ways secure… He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow… you armed me with strength for the battle.

Psalm 18:1-2, 31-32,34,39

For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

The writers of Psalm 18, Philippians, and Nehemiah had one thing in common. They all faced major crises in their lives. David was hounded by Saul and found himself hiding in caves under threat of death. Paul was persecuted when he entered into full time ministry as a Christ follower. Nehemiah was given the fearful task of asking the king to release him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and all that that entailed. But they all knew that God would give them the strength they needed and faced their battles with him beside them. I believe they would have felt a sense of peace in the middle of the storm.

As I look back on my big day, I remember the sense of peace I had as I was wheeled into the ante-room to the theatre. As the cannulas were put in my arm and foot in preparation for the anaesthetic. As I laughed and joked with the theatre nurses who helped me to relax. The transfer into the theatre and the administering of the anaesthetic were faced with ease as I prayed my way into surgery entrusting myself to God and the amazing team of doctors and nurses.

I knew that the strength I needed for the surgery and for each day thereafter would come from God. He would stand beside me through the next few hours and then walk beside me into the days ahead no matter what they held. He would be with me through the darkest valleys and strengthen me to see beyond to the beautiful light of healing:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley,  I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

I don’t know what you are facing or will face in the future but be assured just as God gave me the strength to make it through the 40 days of dark valleys (not the 10-14 I had expected!) that I faced in hospital he will give you the strength to not only get through your trials but get through with joy.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are always beside us giving us the strength we need to face the battles we encounter both large and small, daily or once in a lifetime. Give me strength today for whatever battle faces me.

Amen

Action: Ask God right now for the strength for whatever battle you are facing with joy.

Journal your thoughts…