PEACE?

Am trying red on black. Has been awhile since I've posted anything new, although have thought about it many, many times.

This morning, I spoke with a very dear friend, who is in a hospital in New York City. Her health journey began about 5 years ago, with cancer, radiation, chemo. Unfortunately, she is one who had a destructive reaction to radiation...it basically destroyed her tissue and some organs. She has had several surgeries, and I won't go into detail, but she has very little left. The worst is that she has only about 1 foot of small intestine left. Her abdolmen looks like a road map to nowhere. She no longer responds to most antibiotics and one thing after the other continues to go wrong and plague her. Recently, after this 5 year battle, I have heard some discouragement in her voice, but it doesn't last. She recently underwent her third surgery for a new iliostomy site. She has experienced dozens of trips to the ER, where at least half the time she has been admitted until the infections and fever can be treated. She hasn't been in her home here on the opposite coast, for many months now and is not sure when or if, she will return.

Today, we spoke of peace. She is doing an online Bible study about peace. As she read many of the study scriptures, she began to feel that her peace was far less now than it was when cancer was first diagnosed. (She is now cancer free.) So, this is what the Lord had me say to her. If you are in a place that seems sometimes hopeless, I hope you as well will find encouragement.

Peace is IN Christ. It is a gift. I reminded my friend that 5 years ago, although she had cancer, she was still strong physically and emotionally. The past 5 years have worn down her physical body and her soul, but her spirit, which is connected to God through Christ, is still strong, as He continually holds her. Exhaustion has set in of course and her mind has become tired as she hopes for better days. She hopes for strength to come back enough to be placed on an intestinal transplant list. Yet, she HAS THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. Anyone who knows her has just been almost speechless as they watch her and listen to her go through all she has, always loving the Lord and trusting Him. All can see the mighty power and love of God as He brings her through again and again! We don't understand how she has withstood such a physical onslaught! God's provision only.

I asked her today if she thought that peace left our Lord when He cried over the "death" of a friend. Did He lose peace when He turned over the money tables in the temple? Did He lose peace when He was tempted by satan? Absolutely NOT! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to share her burdens and sorrows? YES! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to call and share a praise? YES!

I don't know when or where my friend's journey will end, but it has been a true blessing to travel it with her and praise God with her. She will not know on "this side" how many lives have been touched and perhaps saved by her steadfast glorifying of our Lord.

My husband and I love our friend and covet your prayers for her!