Last week I had to go to an oral surgeon to get two teeth extracted. I was not looking forward to this experience. I had never had oral surgery before and I already didn't enjoy going to the dentist for routine check-up and cleaning, so I certainly was not looking forward to having a more invasive procedure in my mouth. I knew it had to be done, but I was feeling stressed about it.
I sent my prayer request in to a few friends who knew this was something that caused me anxiety. Then a couple of days before my surgery, I fully poured out my heart to the Lord, telling him my fears; fear of how much pain I would have to endure and the fear of the unknown.
I was going into "uncharted" territory and I didn't have control of the procedure. My husband had to work, so I would be driving myself to the doctors. Even though I chose to have a local anesthesia instead of being knocked out, I didn't know how I would feel afterwards and I didn't want to be "alone".
The Holy Spirit led me to Philippians 4:6-7:
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As I dwelt on that verse, I realized that I had two choices: I could either pray and remain stressed about the upcoming surgery, or I could pray and believe God's promise to give me peace that would guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
I decided that I would trust God's promise, and at the same time the thought "hit me", I would not be alone, Jesus would be with me. He is in me, so He would be with me through everything that I would experience during the surgery, as well as afterwards. He would give me the strength that I needed to endure any discomfort, complication, or pain. This truth gave me peace.
God also graciously provided a sweet friend to drive me to the surgery and back home again. He then gave me the idea to ask the surgeon to explain the procedure as he went through it, which the surgeon gladly did. I found the procedure fascinating and gaining some understanding of it, caused me to feel more at peace.
Yes, I did experience some pain, discomfort and stress, but as I sang praise songs in my head and reminded myself that I was not "alone",Jesus was with me , My focused changed and I experienced the peace I needed moment by moment. This was another "letting go" moment in my life, trusting Jesus to be with me through it all.
As the Lord walks with us on our journey through life; He continues to build our trust in him and remind us of his faithfulness. This life is not easy; there are many struggles that we face, but we can always know that we are not alone and Jesus will walk us through each and every one of our trials.
When I find my faith being stripped down to the very basics; one song comes to mind, "Jesus loves me, this I know for the bible tells me so." Believing and trusting in the love of God for me, gives me peace because it means that I am trusting in His goodness toward me, no matter what trial I experience.
Your struggle today may be great or small, it doesn't matter; the Lord has promised to give you peace as you surrender your concerns to Him with a thankful heart. Remember, he will be with you in the challenges you are facing every day.
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, today. Amen
Love,
Triss
