Surrender, but don’t succumb
You are directed toward the glory of God in the highs and lows.
Mark Kelsey
On Friday, Dr. Rossi called to let me know she wants me to come back in August instead of waiting until November, and she wants me to get a PET scan soon - just to see if it will show what the CT scan has not. Where are those cancer cells hiding? Is there anything visible yet that we can find?
Saturday morning I left for New York City. Since going there solo in November, a weekend alone in Manhattan is becoming “a thing,” and each of these solo weekends has included attendance at Fount Church on 44th Street in the Palladium Theater. I went the first time because I was intrigued by the idea of a church meeting right off Times Square, but I have gone back twice because I found the worship to be genuine and the messages impactful.
Yesterday was another Ebenezer stone to remind me that on this journey, I have never walked alone, and I never will.
Pastor Mark Kelsey was visiting from Australia and brought the message - “Why Jesus.” About 13 minutes into the sermon, Pastor Mark began sharing the personal story of his family, the story of his wife Bernie’s diagnosis with ovarian cancer last fall. As he shared their story, I knew that I was there to hear it.
“When you surrender God actually prepares and gives you all you need to take the next steps for what God has for you. God wants to ready you for the challenges ahead. ”
After church we were all able to talk for a little while, and we prayed together. It was a sweet time. As we parted ways, I realized I had introduced myself, hoping I could encourage Bernie, but instead it seems I am the one who received the blessing.
Toward the end of the sermon, Pastor Kelsey referenced A Non-Anxious Presence by Mark Sayers.
“As we walk through life’s ups and downs... surrendering to the Father’s will . . . we become a non-anxious presence in the world.”
Yes and amen. These phrases -“a non-anxious presence” and “surrender but do not succumb” - are ones I’ll remember in the days ahead.
Bernie and I after church at Fount NYC. I’ve committed to praying for her healing in the days ahead. Will you join me?