Carabiner of Hope

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is taken from Praying Through Cancer: Set Your Heart Free From Fear by Susan Sorensen and Laura Geist. Excerpt written by Laurann Patterson, homemaker and retired teacher.

We also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character; and character, hope.

~Romans 5:3-4

When I was recovering from my cancer, I bought a carabiner. “What’s that?” you may be asking. “Some new medical device?” Actually, a carabiner is used in mountain climbing to connect ropes. It’s the number one choice to assure that ropes are held securely. It protects the climber by making the lifelines safe.

Life has been full of challenges that seemed like mountains. I have learned a lot along the path. There have been times I have relied on the easiest choice because it seemed like a fast fix for a tough climb. Then I hoped it was safe. Other times I have tried to do it on my own, without securing my rope. I’ve experienced numerous challenges in life without a firm hold.

My carabiner reminds me of the only secure and steadfast lifeline, Jesus. When I attach myself to Him, He will never let me go. He is the vision beyond my sight. I may have times of feeling helpless, but I am never hopeless when I am securely hooked to and held tightly by Him.

Dear Lord, I confess, I am not always brave. I forget to hold on to You when the journey is rough and my climb is uphill. (Take a moment to acknowledge before the Lord those times when you have gone your own way or tried to do it without His aid.) Thank You for holding on to me—for protecting and loving me even when I have not secured my rope to You. I am grateful for Your willingness to receive me now.

You are my safe and steadfast lifeline. You hold me secure. You do not grow tired or weary, and Your understanding no one can fathom. You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall. But those who hope in You will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Prayer Reference

Isaiah 40:28-31

Music for Meditation

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Alan Jackson

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

None But Jesus

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Jesus Calling: Experiencing Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

Stop worrying long enough to hear My voice. I speak softly to you, in the depths of your being. Your mind shuttles back and forth, hither and yon, weaving webs of anxious confusion. As my thoughts rise up within you, they become entangled in those sticky webs of worry. Thus, My voice is muffled, and you hear only “white noise.”  Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can think My thoughts. This ability is an awesome benefit of being My child, patterned after My own image. Do not be deafened by the noise of the world or that of your own thinking. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Sit quietly in My Presence, letting My thoughts reprogram your thinking.

Scripture for Meditation

You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:20

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Music for Meditation

None But Jesus 

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com. 

May You Find Joy In God's Presence

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Jesus Calling:  enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

No matter what your circumstances may be, you can find Joy in My Presence. On some days, Joy is generously strewn along your life-path, glistening in the sunlight. On days like that, being content is as simple as breathing the next breath or taking the next step. Other days are overcast and gloomy; you feel the strain of the journey, which seems endless. Dull gray rocks greet your gaze and cause your feet to ache. Yet Joy is still attainable. Search for it as for hidden treasure.

Begin by remembering that I have created this day; it is not a chance occurrence. Recall that I am present with you whether you sense My Presence or not. Then, start talking with Me about whatever is on your mind. Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly, and I know exactly what you are experiencing. As you continue communicating with Me, your mood will gradually lighten. Awareness of My marvelous Companionship can infuse Joy into the grayest day.

Scripture for Meditation

Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. Psalm 21:6

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:4

Music for Meditation

God Speaking by Mandisa

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

As the Shepherd Gathers His Lambs

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Praying Through Cancer: Set Your Heart Free From Fear by Susan Sorensen and Laura Geist.

He tends his flock like a shepherd:

he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close this heart.

Isaiah 40:11

When my children go through difficult situations, I find myself drawn closer to them. My instinct is to surround them with love and pray more intensely for them. That is exactly what God has done for me and my family during my cancer journey.

Two weeks after my bilateral mastectomy, our family moved from North Carolina to Michigan. I began my aggressive chemo treatments with a whole new set of doctors. Those days and circumstances were from the beginning, more than I could bear. I often felt (and still do) like a little girl cuddled up in my Father’s arms with my head buried in His great chest and my ear pressed hard enough to hear His heart beating. I have experienced His love in ways that I’ve never known before.

I have been blessed by words of Mary Prentiss Smith in her poem “Lean Hard”

Child of My love, lean hard,

And let Me feel the pressure of thy care;

I know the burden, child, I shaped it:

Poised it in My own hand, made no proportion

In its weight to thine unaided strength;

For even as I laid it on, I said

I shall be near, and while he leans on Me,

This burden shall be Mine, not his.

Father, thank You for the privilege of crawling into your arms and laying my head on Your chest. You desire to encircle me with Your love, comfort me, and be my strength. How priceless is Your unfailing love. Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Like them, I am able to feast on Your abundance. You bless me from Your river of delights. For with You in the fountain of life, and in Your light I see light.

Lord, I confess that I allow these anxieties to storm over me. I feel myself crawling down from Your lap to chase after these troubles, taking my life into my own hands. Please gather me back into Your arms and help me to allow You to carry me through these difficult times.

You are my Shepherd, I shall not want. You make me lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside quiet waters. How grateful I am that You restore my soul.

Music for Meditation

Grace by Laura Story

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Can You Hear the Holy Roar?

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from When God and Cancer Meet: Finding the Light in Cancer’s Shadow by Lynn Eib.

A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Proverbs 17:22

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I honestly wondered if I would ever laugh again. It was hard to imagine having a really good belly laugh over anything. That’s why when I came home from the hospital, I sent my husband to the video store to get me every Pink Panther movie he could find. You may not enjoy Peter Seller’s slapstick comedy as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, but I always have found it impossible to watch and not laugh. So I watched them all. I laughed through them all. And it was very good medicine.

I am not one who believes laughter always can cure what ails you, but I definitely believe a cheerful heart is good medicine. My Bible footnotes say the literal translation of Proverbs 17:22 is “a cheerful heart causes good healing.”

It is a real understatement to say that cancer isn’t very funny. But it’s not an overstatement to say that we can find joy and even laughter in the midst of cancer.  You have to look for it, and sometimes you have to even create it for yourself . . . so go ahead and send someone to the video store! 

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, I pray that You will give me a cheerful heart, in spite of all I’ve gone through and all that still is ahead for me. I know I don’t have to smile and pretend I’m happy and that everything is all right. But I do want to feel Your quiet joy in me and even hear laughter from my lips. I want to remember that there is life after and even with cancer.

Please help me not be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is my strength. And Holy Spirit, please develop in me the fruit of joy that’s not based on my circumstances, but on my relationship with my Father. Let me be joyful in the simple gift of another day to love and be loved.

I pray, Lord, that You will bless me and protect me, that You will smile on me and be gracious to me, that You will show me Your favor and give me Your peace.

Scripture for Meditation

Nehemiah 8:10 - And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!

Numbers 6:24-26 - May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." 

Music for Meditation

Can You Hear The Holy Roar 

Can You Hear the Holy Roar

Trees of life are blooming
Your word plants the seed
And we see it growing
Your kindness leading to repentance
We see traces of deliverance
Lord, thank You for mercy

Chorus:
Oh, can you hear it?
It's the song of the redeemed
The pursuit of passion for the One who set us free
Oh can you hear it?
We're crying out for more
So listen to our song
It's turning into a holy roar
A holy roar

Rivers of renewal
Spirit whisper a revival
And send us rushing
Lord send us rushing..
Open hearts with hopes of unity
We're servants to love in lost humanity
Lord send us reaching

Chorus
And we come rejoicing and singing and crying out to You Lord
Can You hear the holy roar
As we respond to Who You are and all that You have done
Lord with our lives, with all that we are
We return to You, Oh God
You are holy God
We lay down our lives, our songs, these tears, Lord
Can You hear the holy roar? These cries, these prayers...
Can You hear the holy roar? Still hear the holy roar

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Keep Your Eyes on Me

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.

Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow’s burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.

Scripture for Meditation

Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand. Psalm 73:23

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.1 Corinthians 10:13

Music for Meditation

All The Way My Savior Leads Me by Chris Tomlin

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

I Give all my Anxiety and Fear to You

Please keep Sally in your thoughts and prayers

as she undergoes chemo today.

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from A Book of Prayer by Stormie Omartian.

Lord, I give all of my anxiety and fear to You. I surrender my hold on them and release them into Your hands. I lift my eyes to You, for You are my help in time of trouble. I will praise you in the midst of all that happens in my life. I know that in Your presence I don’t need to be anxious or afraid of anything. I refuse to entertain discouragement and instead choose this day to find my encouragement in You. Your love comforts me and takes away all my fear. Your power in my life gives me strength and makes me secure. Thank You for giving me the courage to go forward and fulfill the destiny you have for me. 

Scripture for Meditation

The poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:6-7

Music for Meditation

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

We Pray For Blessings

Blessings

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace, comfort for family,

protection while we sleep.

We pray for healing, for prosperity. 

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering.

All the while, You hear each spoken need.

Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things.

Because what if Your blessings come through raindrops.

What if Your healing comes through tears.

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near.

What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise.

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from A Book of Prayer by Stormie Omartian.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, I know that regardless of what situation I am in right now, You have an abundance of blessings for me. Right where I am, You are working powerfully in my life. Thank You for saving me, Jesus, and setting me free from all that would keep me from moving into everything You have for me. Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for loving me. 

Scripture for Meditation

The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Music for Meditation

Blessings by Laura Story

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

I Will Give You Perfect Peace

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it. Bring Me your prayer and petition with thanksgiving, saying: “Thank You, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more.” Though the lessons of trust that I send to you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost.

Well-developed trust will bring you many blessings not the least of which is my Peace. I have promised to keep you in perfect Peace to the extent that you trust in Me. The world has it backwards, teaching that peace is the result of having enough money, possessions, insurance, and security systems. My Peace, however, is such an all-encompassing gift that it is independent of all circumstances. Though you lose everything else, if you gain My Peace, you are rich indeed.

Scripture for Meditation

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

Music for Meditation

Perfect Peace by Laura Story

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

I Can Only Imagine . . .

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

GROW STRONG in the Light of My Presence. As My Face shines upon you, you receive nutrients that enhance your growth in grace. I designed you to commune with Me face to face, and this interaction strengthens your soul. Such communion provides a tiny glimpse of what awaits you in heaven, where all barriers between you and My Glory will be removed. This meditative time with Me blesses you doubly: You experience My Presence here and now, and you are refreshed by the hope of heaven, where you will know Me in ecstatic Joy.

Scripture for Meditation

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let the smile of your face shine on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone. O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:6-8

And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. Revelations 21:23

Music for Meditation

I Can Only Imagine

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Here I am, Lord

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from A Book of Prayer by Stormie Omartian. 

 Prayer for Meditation

Lord, I don’t want to take one step without You. I reach up for Your hand and ask that You lead me in Your way. Thank You that no matter where I am right now, even if I have gotten way off course, in this moment as I put my hand in Yours, You will make a path from where I am to where I need to be. And you will lead me on it. Thank You that Your grace abounds to me in that way. Keep me on the path You have for me and take me where You want me to go. I commit this day to walking with You. Here I am, Lord. 

Scripture for Meditation

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16: 11

Music for Meditation

Take My Life And Let It Be by Chris Tomlin

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Indescribable, Uncontainable, You are Amazing God

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is an excerpt from A Book of Prayer by Stormie Omartian.

 Prayer for Meditation

LORD, I worship You as the all-knowing, indescribable, and all-powerful, amazing God of the universe. You are Immanuel, God with us. Thank You that You are always with me. Thank You that Your presence frees me from all doubt and gives me increased faith. Thank You that You hear my prayers and will answer in Your time and in Your way. You, Lord, are without limitations. I don’t want to limit Your working in my life by my own faithlessness. Help me to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12 NIV). I know that You have called me to pray, but I also know that answering prayers is Your job. Help my heart to rest in You.

Scripture for Meditation

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Music for Meditation

Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

His Unfailing Love

Our prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing this morning comes from A Book of Prayer by Stormie Omartian.

Prayer for Meditation

LORD, I know that what I may see as unanswered prayer may not be unanswered at all. It means that you are answering according to Your will. Whether I understand Your will or not doesn’t affect the fact that I trust it and praise You for it. Thank You for Your unfailing Word and that You always keep Your promises to me. I thank You that Your power is infinite. Your judgments and Your will are perfect, and I trust them. Whether or not my prayers are answered the way I pray them, I will praise and worship You above all things. For you are my Wonderful Counselor, my Everlasting Father, my Stronghold in the Day of Trouble, and my Resting Place. I rest in You today.

Scripture for Meditation 

Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV

Music for Meditation

Unfailing Love by Chris Tomlin

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

I Will Never Let Go of Your Hand

Our prayer and meditation this morning for Sally’s healing is another excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

THIS IS A TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU MUST LEARN TO LET GO, of possessions and of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your gasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.

You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence. The One who never leaves you is the same One who never changes: I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand. Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstance can take from you. 

Scripture for Meditation

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:15

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

I am holding you by your right hand – I, the LORD your God. And I say to you. ‘Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.’ Isaiah 41:13

Music for Meditation

I Will Never Let Go of Your Hand

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Sweet Hour of Prayer - May 1 at 6:00 PM Eastern

Join Us Tonight For A

Virtual Hour of Prayer and Meditation

For Sally’s Healing

Sally is getting a port-a-cath on Tuesday and will resume chemotherapy the following week. Please pray for the following specific requests:

That the procedure is successful

That the procedure is pain free

That she has no fear or anxiety

That her energy is restored

That her health continues to improve

The the chemo is effective

Sally visited with family last night, and she looked beautiful!

This morning our prayer and meditation comes from another excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

I AM A GOD of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance. When you entrust the details of your life to Me, you are surprised by how thoroughly I answer your petitions. I take pleasure in hearing your prayers, so feel free to bring Me all your requests. The more you pray the more answers you can receive. Best of all, your faith is strengthened as you see how precisely I respond to your specific prayers.

Because I am infinite in all My ways, you need not fear that I will run out of resources. Abundance is at the very heart of who I AM. Come to Me in joyful expectation of receiving all you need—and sometimes much more. I delight in showering blessings on My beloved children. Come to Me with open hands and heart, ready to receive all I have for you.

Scripture for Meditation

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your rivers of delight. Psalm 36:7-9

I will make this city prosper and satisfy its poor with food. Psalm 132:15

Now gather the leftovers, Jesus told his disciples, so that nothing is wasted. There were only five barley loaves to start with, but twelve baskets were filled with the pieces of bread the people did not eat. John 6: 12-13

Music for Meditation

Sweet Hour of Prayer by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com. Sally loves to receive your notes. They lift her up.

Sally, You Will Never Walk Alone

Our prayer and meditation for Sally's healing today comes from another excerpt from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

GIVE YOURSELF FULLY to the adventure of today. Walk boldly along the path of Life, relying on your ever-present Companion. You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life - and onward into eternity. Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on Me, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from My Presence.

Scripture for Meditation

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the Joy he knew would be his afterwards. Now, he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Hebrews 12:2

I am holding you by your right hand - I, the LORD your god. And I say to you, 'Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.' Isaiah 41:13

Music for Meditation

You Will Never Walk Alone by The Three Tenors

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud

Our prayer and meditation this morning comes from Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham.

They looked . . . and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

 Exodus 16:10

Without the clouds we wouldn’t be shielded from the burning sun. Without the clouds there would be no lavish sunsets, no beneficial rain, no beautiful landscapes.

The same is true with life’s clouds. When hard times come we easily get discouraged. But behind the clouds God is still present, and can even use them to water our souls with unexpected blessings. Longfellow once wrote: “Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining.”

As God’s people wandered in the wilderness. He declared,  Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud. Exodus 19:9

Each of us experiences clouds in life—sometimes slight, but sometimes dark and frightening. Whatever clouds you face today, ask Jesus, the light of the world, to help you look behind the clouds to see His glory and His plans for you.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear Heavenly Father, help Sally to look beyond the clouds today and see the plans you have for her; the plans to prosper and not to harm; the plans to give hope and a future. In Your Name, we pray. Amen

Music for Meditation

I Feel My Savior's Love by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.

Swing Low Sweet Chariot

As we pray and meditate over Sally's healing this morning, I offer this excerpt from Praying Through Cancer by Susan Sorensen.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high 

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Hannah Whitall Smith, in her classic book A Christian's Secret to a Happy Life, said trials are "God's chariots sent to take the soul to its high places of triumph." She encouraged, "When your trial comes, then, put it right into the will of God, and climb into that will as a child climbs into its mother's arms. The baby carried in the chariot of its mother's arms rides triumphantly though the hardest places, and does not even know they are hard. And how much more we who are carried in the chariot of the the 'arms of God!'"

I was reminded of this on the morning of my mastectomy. The entire way to the operating room a tall, strong orderly sang many of the great Christian hymns as he navigated my gurney through the hallways. I might have believed him to be an angel, but everyone seemed to know him as he walked by. His voice and message were beautiful. I truly felt I was in God's chariot all the way to surgery. I had climbed in, and my loving Father was reminding me of all His great promises as we rode on our way.

Prayer for Meditation

I praise You, heavenly Father. Though sin separated me from You, You grabbed hold of me and made me Your child. I praise You, Jesus, for taking my place on the cross and being the bridge to this wonderful, eternal relationship. How awesome it is to be loved so completely.

Thank you for allowing me to climb into Your arms. I can let go and let You hold me through this ride down a path that is unknown. Help me to trust You so completely that I don't even know the rocky places are hard.

Praise You for Your promise to work all things, even the bad things, for good for those who love You and are called according to your purpose. All I need to do is give my needs, desires, and wants to You, my faithful and loving Father, the God in whom I trust!

Watch for the unexpected blessings - gifts the Lord desires to give you during this journey.

Scripture for Meditation

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Music for Meditation

Swing Low Sweet Chariot by Kathleen Battle

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com.