Mary’s original cancer diagnosis took place the day after Valentine’s Day, February 15, 2014. Almost immediately she and Bervin began testifying to God’s ongoing work within the situation and their awareness of his constant presence with them.
Ten days and lots of tests later, Mary, Bervin, and several of their adult children met with a team of doctors to get their recommendations. It was going to be a difficult meeting at best as a handful of highly-reputed doctors explained what was happening inside Mary’s body, along with what they felt should be done about it. Whatever was said in that room would shape the weeks and months ahead.
Amazingly, Mary wasn’t at all nervous. That’s because she knew that literally thousands of people (including strangers) were praying for God’s peace to envelop her, confident he was hearing and would deliver.
When the meeting began, with each doctor taking a turn, a remarkable drama unfolded. As Mary told it, “I’ve always been on the praying end of a crisis, but this time I was the one being prayed for. The presence of God’s Spirit in that conference room was palpable. I saw it in the behavior of the doctors and in the faces of my children.”
She went on to say, “In my 70 years, I’ve never felt the strong, literal presence of the Lord that powerfully.”
Some people feel that since we can’t see the spirit world, we can’t be sure it exists, but Mary testified otherwise. During that meeting she became aware of God’s presence in the room. “He was moving among us, and it was very real as he worked to accomplish answers to those many requests.”
She said that as she listened to the doctors, she was completely enveloped in a bubble of peace. Because of the nature of the meeting, experiencing such tranquility was completely unnatural. Surely it was God’s supernatural gift.
The Lord isn’t stingy with this kind of unusual peace. He offers it to anyone who wants it, in any set of circumstances. He says, “Ask me, and then trust me to deliver it.” We don’t even need a life-and-death crisis for him to wrap us in that same unlikely peace.
Today Mary is facing a new crisis even more severe than the first. But the same supernatural benefits she experienced 9 months ago are still available to her: God is still powerfully present, and he’s still willing to answer prayer requests for his mysterious supernatural peace, right in the middle of all the negatives. (See #2 below.)
Jesus said, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit…. will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:26-27)
Praising and Praying with Mary
- I praise God for the good gifts he continues to give, like being able to cook dinner for our local adult kids tonight, which I love to do.
- Please pray that when I wake up during the night, negative thoughts about what’s ahead won’t keep me from getting back to sleep.
Praying right now, for your wonderful, full night of sleep, Mary.
Praying for Mary tonight – “peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above; sweep over your spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.”
Praise the Lord for the peace He has given you and prayers that His peace will extend to your sleep!
Praise the Lord for His wonderful blessing in your life for many years, and now especially as you face this great challenge. Thank you for blessing us with such encouragement and an example of trust in Him.
I am praying for you, Mary, along with countless others. You are helping us all – to face our future, as the Lord has planned. We praise God for His faithfulness!
When life is finally reduced to the simplest of pleasures and blessings, that it is when we begin to see God do the work He has desired to do all along. May the remaining days of your life Mary be a blessing to you as you desire to bless others. May your entry into heaven be it a few months or years be defined by the knowledge and experience of God walking with you. It is the best! People are watching your walk. They will draw upon your journey when they are faced with their own. Nothing is wasted when God is in the midst. Prayers go up for each of you that are affected by your diagnosis and may those who are close to you be forever changed to follow The Lord because you have been faithful.
Claudia said it best…..! Nothing I could add would be of any value.
God bless!
Mary, I just wanted to add my assurance of continued prayer. You are showing us all how to live faithfully each day God gives us. May our God of hope continue to give you peace and joy through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I am learning from Mary!! What a blessing this blog site is to me!
Mary, I’m praying that God’s peace will continue and for special blessings to come your way in the days ahead. You have been such a beautiful testimony through all of this.
Ruth