Finding God's Peace in Life's Unexpected Battles

Take a walk with me today if you will…What I’m going to talk about today, I wasn’t going to bring up at all. But I love each and every one of you and at the suggestion of brother John, I’ve decided to share some personal news. (Thanks bud!)I find it interesting, but not surprising, that when you spend time in the Word, God prepares you for the battles ahead. I know this because last week I was diagnosed with cancer and today I go in for surgery. Through His Grace, I am ready. You know, “life” can surprise us sometimes, but nothing surprises God. He’s told us we will have troubles…it’s in His word. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” But there are times we face situations that are so overwhelming that we are not sure what to do. I’d like to say that when I’ve faced troubles I’ve been full of peace and the first thing I did was pray. Well, that’s not always how it works for me. Many times I have to process the information and my emotions. But the good news is that I do eventually get there and I’m sure you do, too. So, what do we do in that space between the prayer and the answer? Well, when I found out last week I kind of lingered in a fog. I’m still a little bit there but I’m praying and God and I have had some good chats. But here is the cool thing about the world we live in today and I’ve done it. When you don’t know where to go to find the scripture to help with the feeling you’re having we can just Google scripture about whatever we’re feeling. (I’ve googled a lot lately). Scripture gets you heading towards the right direction. His word starts the conversations that will lead to some peace during the struggles. I can feel it. Once we get going in the right direction, and we’re praying, we can ask Him to help us find what we need in His word and He will, you just have to be ready to listen. I’ve have two hopes during this journey. I hope to glorify Him through this and by doing so I hope to encourage you to find “the right words” for whatever you’re going through. Please, don’t reply to this group. Let’s keep it “clean” like we have for 3.5 years. Just add me to your prayers is all I ask. That’s more than enough. I’m probably going to miss Friday due to recovery, but we’ll talk again Monday. As always, Be nice. Grace wins