Resting in Uncertainty

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 ESV

Many years ago, my doctor discovered a tumor in the parotid gland of my neck. He recommended that I consult a specialist and prepare for major surgery to remove the tumor. Upon seeing the specialist, the need for surgery was confirmed and I was told there was a 15% chance that the tumor would be malignant. Being the mom and sole supporter of my young daughter, I was very fearful of what possibly lay ahead for me/us.

Prior to surgery, my mother came to stay with us and friends from church were scheduled to help shuttle my daughter to and from school. My sister sent the poem that you will see below. While awaiting surgery, I read it frequently, continuing to believe that God was faithful to His Word and that He would not leave me during this time of uncertainty.

The lengthy surgery was performed at the original Brackenridge Hospital in downtown Austin. As a result of the surgery, I was left with a very long incision which began at the top of my ear, running down my neck, ending right under my mid-jawline. It was definitely not a pretty sight!

During my 5-day hospital stay, and as I waited for pathology results, I focused on the goodness of God, believing that even during a time of uncertainty in my life, God had a plan and purpose. Knowing that gave me peace and rest. I was ever so thankful when the news came that the tumor was benign!

To this day, I have never forgotten how God blessed me through family and friends at what was then one of my greatest points of need. And I’ll not forget how much encouragement I received from the poem sent by my sister at just the right time. Over the years, I have been able to share it with countless others who are going through their own trials and moments of uncertainty.

Friends, if you’re currently facing a mountain that seems too steep to climb, I pray that you will rest in the knowledge that God has already paved the way for you to make it up and over that mountain. Please know that He is walking beside you and oftentimes carries you.

Today, what I do know for sure is what He has done for me. He’s been with me through many uncertainties that I’ve faced in life and has always given me His strength and help. I’m still standing and flourishing today because of His love and faithfulness. Trust Him, and He will do the same for you.

The Rest of Victory

There is nothing…..
no circumstance,
no trouble,
no testing—
that can ever touch me until, first of all,

it has gone past God
and past Christ,
right through to me.

If it has come that far,
it has come with a great purpose,
which I may not understand
at the moment
but as I refuse to become panicky,
as I lift my eyes up to Him
and accept it as coming from His Throne
for some great purpose of blessing
to my own heart,

No sorrow will disturb me,
No trial will ever disarm me,
No circumstance will cause me to fret,
for I shall rest in the JOY
of what my Lord is.
That is THE REST OF VICTORY. Alan Redpath