Tomorrow is the day. At 7:00 a.m. I will be at the hospital, waiting to be wheeled in to the OR for gall bladder surgery.
Both my husband and M have asked if I'm nervous about the surgery. I told them not really, because I haven't allowed myself to think about it too much. Judging by my experience a few weeks ago with the colonoscopy, I imagine my anxiety level will be higher when I head back to the pre-op area.
But as is often the case, I heard something yesterday that spoke exactly to the situation that I am facing. In addition to talking about the importance of corporate worship, Pastor James Ford, Jr. also addressed the issue of fear. Or rather, he addressed FEAR -- False Evidence Appearing Real.
Isn't that really what fear is usually about . . . worry in regards to a possibility, not a certainty, most often a lie, that masquerades as truth? Fear is rarely rational or factual. It is the work of Satan, the father of lies.
Fear is certainly not of God. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Incredible! God has given us (me!) a spirit -- His Spirit -- of power, love, and a sound mind.
Only God could give such amazing gifts! Nothing is greater than the power of God. No love is more perfect or all-encompassing than the love of God. The person who possesses a sound mind is able to discern truth from lies and is not easily swayed or troubled. In His goodness and wisdom, God has given His children all that we need to withstand the fear-inducing lies of the devil.
As I prepared for surgery, God knew that I needed to be reminded that fear has no power over me.
I am so thankful that the Lord used Pastor Ford's radio ministry to speak to me. And I am also thankful that Pastor Ford faithfully proclaims the truth of God's Word. I am sure that there were others like me who found both his words and the Word to be "aptly spoken . . . like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11
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