~ in His grip ~

When our faith is strong,

we believe the everything that happens is part of some vast plan

for cosmic good.

But then there are times when we wrestle with God.

We ask the hard questions ~

sometimes repeatedly.

There aren't always answers

but out of that wrestling

comes blessings.

Beautiful memories

deeper relationships

thanksgiving for what has been

insight into what is yet to be.

None of this makes the hurt go away.

But it can temper it to the point where living can continue;

where the work that God continues to put before us can get done.

Our Debbie is wrestling with God right now.

I know I am wrestling with God right now.

And you may be wrestling with God right now, too.

But it also means that we are all firmly in his grip.

God's is the hand that holds on - even when we don't.

Or can't.

I am holding fast to that promise for Debbie...

"Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you.

Not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid."

~John 14:27

He gives the deep

enduring

tranquil peace,

the inward quiet of acceptance;

the mind stayed on God ready for anything

because anchored on His eternal Reality -

indifferent to its own risks,

comforts or achievements,

sunk in the great movement of His life.

"Do not be anxious about anything

but in everything by prayer and petition

with thanksgiving

present your requests to God

And the peace of God

which transcends all understanding

will guard your hearts and your minds

in Christ Jesus."

~Philippians 4:4-9

Dear God,

Let your hand of loving calm be upon Debbie,

bringing rest and peace into her mind and body. 

Bring to her remembrance the skills of her physician and his attendants, 

who have been prepared through the years by the gift of your Spirit.

Help her to recall the history of your grace in her life -- 

all the trials and dangers, both seen and unseen, 

from which you have been her Rescuer through the years.

Enable her to know you now,

for you have been trustworthy in all your doings. 

Take away all anxiety from her and those who love her.

Lord, look upon her with eyes of mercy.

May your healing hand rest upon her.

May your lifegiving powers flow into every cell of her body

and into the depths of her soul;

cleansing

purifying

restoring her to wholeness and strength

for service in your Kingdom. 

This I pray in Jesus precious name,

Amen

{ grateful hugs }