SUNDAY MEMORIES
Judy Wills
Back in 2000, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my church family gathered around me with so much love and support, that I knew God’s hand was in it.
Since my tumor was slow-growing, my surgeon and I decided we could wait a month for the surgery. I told him that we had a trip planned and paid for coming up before that month was over. And, as it turned out – he and his wife were going on a trip to Greece during that month, as well. So the month-away was a good decision.
We had a great trip. We met with my brother and his wife (Bill and DiVoran Lites), and went to Albuquerque, New Mexico – our home town. DiVoran is a writer, and had a writers conference to attend. We just went along for the ride, and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Albuquerque. We met up with quite a few of our growing-up friends while there.
When we returned from that trip, our mail box was overflowing – with cards from people in our church family. And each one presented me with their favorite scripture verse!
Now, I had already been given a couple of scriptures that meant a lot to me (please see my post of May 18, 2014 – Be Still and Know…
And the post of March 2, 2014 – Earthquake – 1 Chronicles 29: 10-11). But these scriptures just homed in on how great our God is, and how He was taking care of me.
One scripture that I’ve enjoyed, is John 16:33. So many times I’ve heard people read that scripture and say “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” Now, that really is what it says, but then I correct the speaker by saying, “no, you are saying it wrong; it should be said:
“In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world.”
That middle section really must be said with GREAT emphasis!! Jesus Christ, our Savior, has OVERCOME this puny world! And he’s OUR Savior! Woohoo!!
Here are some other scriptures that were presented to me then:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Under His wings you shall be safe. Psalm 91:4
When I said, “my foot it slipping,” Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:18-19
O Lord my God, I take refuge in You; save and deliver me…. Psalm 7:1
God is with you in everything you do. Genesis 21:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22
O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us….. Psalm 12:7
Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge. Psalm 16:1
Can you see why I was in tears after reading some of these scriptures? Not only these scriptures, but the words of comfort from friends was just what I needed to strengthen my heart and mind as I prepared for the surgery, and the future treatment.
I just wanted to give you these scriptures – they are from my heart to yours. Perhaps someone reading this post will need one or more of them in the near future. They are yours for the asking.
This is an absolutely wonderful post, Judy. Thank you for it. I’ve forwarded it to two friends I know will love it.
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