Devotions

Recently the Director of Women's Ministries at our church asked for the ladies to write devotionals to compile in a book that could be sold as a fund raiser...given the faith strengthening time I am going through in my life at this moment, I tried my hand at writing (even though that talent really lies with my mother and sister)...the following is what I submitted...Thank you for your continued prayers, notes, and comments...we are immensely blessed!!!
~Jayne~

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:2

“He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29

In God’s Word we are given many promises and when turmoil hits, we long for, and hang on every one of them; recently I’ve learned this more then ever before. A little over a month ago my 43 year old, healthy husband was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. The diagnosis was devastating and we were not sure what to do next. The doctors didn’t recommend operating because of the tumor’s location, but it is treatable with a pretty good prognosis. Our prayer was for God to heal him long before any treatment needed to be done and we believe strongly in God’s faithfulness and answered prayer, although the answer isn’t always in our timing.

Jeff has just started radiation treatments and will start taking a chemo pill tomorrow. The last brain scan was taken 1-2 weeks ago and the tumor is apparently still there, so God hasn’t taken it away, yet.

Isaiah 43:2 tells us that we can go through many terrible, maybe life threatening, things and none of them will overtake us. Assuring Jeff & I that God is going to answer our prayer of healing, it may mean going through the treatments including nausea, hair loss & fatigue, but we will not be overtaken. Isaiah 40:29 tells that when we are worn out, God gives us power and increased strength…which assures us that even though this journey has just begun for us; God will give us the strength to complete it.

Many of us have different journeys set before us by our God, some more serious than others, but no matter what road you find yourself on…gain strength through your Father in heaven and hold on to the assurance that you will not be drowned in the rushing waters or burned by the flames.