Lingering
Today on Choosing Peace, you’ll read about sleep-deprived nights, The Protection Psalm, and the power of prayer.
Twice in my life, I’ve lingered at a particular scripture for a long time. It was the only scripture I read in the morning—for months. The first time, last spring, I lingered at 1 Corinthians 13—The Love Chapter.
A place to linger
Since November, I’ve been lingering at Colossians 1:9-14 for spiritual strength and encouragement during my season of surgeries, rest and simplicity.
And so, from the day we heard of [your love in the Spirit], we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:9-14, Revised Standard Version*
*Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
During this season of lingering, I’m celebrating what God is doing. Join me as we begin a stroll through key phrases from Colossians 1:9-14. We’ll explore five of the phrases today and additional phrases next time.
How has God brought these truths to life?
We have not ceased to pray for you
I’ve felt the power of prayer very tangibly and personally during this season. Every time people tell me they’re praying for me, it means so much. It encourages me. It strengthens me. It reminds me of the beauty and unity of the body of Christ—God’s family.
Sunday, November 16
Journal entry
Yesterday, Meagan texted our life group, requesting prayers for my surgery. I was very blessed and encouraged by the replies and all their prayers.
…Noelle brought us a frozen taco casserole with a sweet note this evening. We had a nice visit and she prayed out loud for me. Great hugs.
One of the things Noelle prayed really stuck with me. She prayed that angels would be swirling all through the operating room, impacting everything that was said and done. I loved that.
Strategically surrounded
Surgery Day is hard. No lie. But the Lord was with me and surrounded me with amazing people, including Brandon, for each surgery.
Wednesday, November 19
Journal entry
My pre-op nurse, Lila, was truly wonderful—an angel. Dr. Williams went over all the sitting precautions, emphasized rest—first and foremost, and said a wonderful prayer for us all. PTL! My right hip replacement surgery went great. I threw up four times in recovery. I also cried…. Got home at 8 P.M. Long day. OWWWWW!!! Lord, help me and heal me!!!
The Lord has answered every prayer. He helps me and is healing me. I’ve come a long way so far—all glory to God. I’m walking without my cane and getting better every day.
Low days
Dr. Williams also prayed for us before my second surgery. He told us that each surgery is very unique. I had a 50/50 chance of the second surgery going better or worse than the first. As it turns out, the second one was harder.
Saturday, December 20
Journal entry
I felt really low and cried a lot today. I texted friends and requested prayers. Their prayers and replies really helped me. Meagan wrote: “Totally understandable. You have had 2 major surgeries back to back. And post-surgical depression is a thing. May Our Father in Heaven grant you a reprieve and refill your heart and mind with joy. Amen and TBTG that He understands and cares for us. He is our Good Shepherd! Father, lead Frankie Ann to green verdant pastures and still waters. Refresh and restore her soul. Amen!!” What a precious friend. Charlene called. Our talk really helped lift my spirits.
God answered their prayers.
Tuesday, December 23
Journal entry
Today was a very good day. I texted Meagan, Elyse and Noelle: “I’m feeling like myself again in my spirit. Thanks so much for your prayers! All glory to God.” Elyse replied, “All glory to God!! And that is why the body of Christ shares our burdens and prays!! Love you, Frankie Ann!!” I loved that. I sure did.
Sleep-deprived nights
The Lord answered more prayers the week of Christmas.
Monday, December 22
Journal entry
…Elyse offered to help with [Christmas] shopping or wrapping, but we were already done. What a sweet offer. I requested prayers regarding sleep, pain and digestion issues, and she was on it. This morning, I was up from 2:30 to 7:15. Ugh. Then I napped ’til 10-something. My sleep has been very bad since Dec. 14—the Sunday before my second surgery. Lord, help me!
Wednesday, December 24
Journal entry
I finally got a good night’s sleep for the first time in 10 days. Praise the Lord!
A good night’s sleep was a very good gift. My pain and digestion issues were also resolved.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me this truth:
…we have not ceased to pray for you…
Colossians 1:9b, RSV
Thank you for your prayers.
Knowledge of God’s will
From part 2:
When did I receive this shocking news about my need for two big surgeries? On our son Logan’s birthday. On a miracle day. On a day that was all about life. I knew God was saying to me: “This is my plan for you. I will walk with you through it all. I have great things in store for you.”
Round 1
While the Lord made it clear in September that it was his will for me to have these two surgeries, he kindly affirmed and reaffirmed that fact a number of times. Here are two Surgery Week examples.
In November, two days before my first surgery, I met my friend Sam for lunch. She lives 45 minutes away, so we picked a spot in the middle. We realized that her husband—a retired doctor—sees one of the doctors in my surgeon’s group. What a surprising and affirming connection. Sam used to be a nurse. Needless to say, she and her husband choose their physicians with care, wisdom and the expertise of their own medical backgrounds.
The next day, I received a wonderful, detailed booklet with everything I needed to know. My surgeon’s biography gave powerful confirmation about why God chose him for me. He’s a man of God—raised in a strong Christian home; attended a Christian university; devoted to the Lord, his profession and his family.
Round 2
Approaching my second surgery was different. I knew a few things about what was coming.
Monday, December 15
Journal entry
I cried a little about the upcoming surgery. It’s hard. I know God is with me and for me, but it’s hard. I listened to Schubert’s wonderful symphony called “The Great.” That made me smile.
Even though I knew I was following the Lord’s will, I needed comfort and encouragement. The Lord provided music for me after my first surgery that blessed me before and after my second surgery. (See part 1 for a list of glorious music with links and descriptions.)
Each step
God faithfully communicated his will through the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit—and through my circumstances. He made it clear when it was time to move forward—whether it was time to switch from my walker to my cane or something else.
Monday, December 22
Journal entry
For the second day in a row, I felt really bad around 4:30 or 5 A.M.—light-headed, nauseous, loopy (i.e., drugged) in the head, a gurgling stomach, with leg pain. I took a pain pill at 2:30 A.M. and determined myself not to take another one. The time had come to switch to Tylenol, as needed. Thanks be to God!
And a couple days later, the time had come to ditch the Tylenol. I didn’t need it (or want it). God is so good.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will…
Colossians 1:9b-c, RSV
Thank you for your prayers.
Spiritual wisdom and understanding
We’re given spiritual wisdom and understanding for our own good and for the good of others.
God, our protector
Monday, November 17
Journal entry
I’ve been reading my scripture passage for this season out loud on recent mornings: Colossians 1:9-14. It strengthens me.
Logan and I talked this morning. I asked him to read Psalm 91 out loud and he did. We talked about God’s protection, which he experienced later regarding traffic, a bus, a cyclist, etc. on campus. And he saw the [Covenant Christian Academy] bus—at A&M for a campus visit! I mentioned how he was protected at [his Christian school] all those years. Wow.
Our son needed encouragement, so I asked him to read Psalm 91—The Protection Psalm—out loud. We discussed the Psalm. Later that very day, Logan saw the truth of the Lord’s protection on campus multiple times—right in front of his face—in near-misses in traffic.
Logan attended a Christian school from pre-K thru high school. He saw their bus on his college campus—a very rare thing. They don’t visit Texas A&M every year. Besides, A&M’s campus is massive. Yet Logan saw his Christian school’s bus that day. What was the Lord doing for Logan, and for me? He was saying—loud and clear: “I am here. I am your protector. Trust me.”
God mightily displays biblical truths.
He desires to bring the truth to life for us all.
The post
It warms my heart when my Peaceful Readers find spiritual truths and understanding on Choosing Peace.
Thursday, December 11
Journal entry
Meagan texted: “Reading your recent post. Love the analogy that God has already laid the train tracks for our life.”
Amen, amen and amen. Read part 1 for details about the train, tunnels and more.
Approved
Right before my second surgery, Dr. Williams mentioned that he approved me for surgeries four weeks apart because of my spiritual strength and physical health. Not everyone gets approved for this kind of surgery schedule. I was very happy to hear that. The Holy Spirit orchestrated the timing of everything, which was definitely best for me and my family. No doubt about it. Right people. Right place. Right time. But I had to be spiritually ready. And I was. Thanks be to God.
Purpose in the pain
After my second surgery, I spent about five hours in the recovery area.
Strange resistance
The pain medication that worked for the first surgery didn’t work for the second one—at all. They tried Diazepam. Didn’t work. They tried a dose of Fentanyl. Didn’t work. Finally, the second dose of Fentanyl got through and did the job. They even X-rayed my hips to make sure something hadn’t gone strangely wrong. All was well, surgically. My surgeon stopped by. He was sorry to hear that my recovery was going so badly. Thankfully, I was feeling better at that point. There was another issue, but I won’t bore you with all that.
Why was this recovery so uncharacteristically painful? The Holy Spirit revealed the answer to me later.
Nurse Emily
My recovery nurse was wonderful. I’ll call her Emily. She was also my recovery nurse for my first surgery, but I didn’t really experience the beauty of her work then. Why not? Because I was loopy. The drugs were doing their job, so I wasn’t really mentally present or aware. I remember things, but they didn’t sink in. I was out of it. This second go-round, I was most definitely present and aware.
I experienced the full impact of Nurse Emily’s kindness and gentleness. She rubbed my feet. She put a rolled-up towel under my knee to ease the pressure on my hip. At the right time, she recommended that I transfer from the hospital bed to the recliner so I’d be more comfortable. She was extremely patient and compassionate. I sent a thank-you note to Nurse Emily later that month. I got the impression from Nurse Lila, described in part 2, that thank-you notes to nurses are a rare thing, so each note really means a lot. Nurse Emily needed encouragement, and the Holy Spirit asked me to give it. I’m honored to have been given that assignment.
The Lord gave me spiritual understanding. There was purpose in my pain. I’m good with that.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…
Colossians 1:9b-d, RSV
Thank you for your prayers.
Lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him
Praying and expressing gratitude
I’ve learned the importance of praying specifically. The Bible tells us: “You don’t have, because you don’t ask” ~ James 4:2d, WEB.
Sunday, November 30
Journal entry
…I asked Logan to text me a list of his schoolwork for this week so I can pray rightly. Very helpful.
I don’t always remember what assignment or test, in what class, takes place on what day. Having a list with the details helps me to pray specifically for each need. (Admittedly, if I get the information wrong, God knows what’s what.)
In the section called Logan’s Essay in part 2, our son described how we trained him to be like the 10th leper from Luke 17 who came back and thanked Jesus for healing him. I always told him, “Be the one.” One out of 10. The one who says, “Thank you.” I’ve enjoyed sending thank-you notes during this season. Each note gives me the opportunity to reflect on people’s kindness and the Lord’s goodness. I hope my prayers and these expressions of gratitude have pleased the Lord.
Seeking, finding and sharing truth
My husband Brandon has come a long way. Unfortunately, the holidays bring him reminders of his abusive extended family. I pray for his continued healing.
Wednesday, December 31
Journal entry
Yesterday, Brandon and I watched some of Dr. Ramani’s videos about narcissists. They were very validating and encouraging for Brandon. He talked about his [sociopathic and narcissistic] mom’s springtime attack letter. I encouraged him, when he’s ready, to read my post about it, and the next post about how God used it for our good.
Writing has greatly facilitated my own healing and sanctification. The Holy Spirit’s inspiration has amazed me. Explore the index for many topics related to healing, grieving, forgiving, Christian living and more.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him…
Colossians 1:9b-10a, RSV
Thank you for your prayers.
Bearing fruit in every good work
Examples from part 2
Nurse Lila, featured in part 2, is one of my favorite examples of this truth—bearing fruit in every good work.
I’ve received a lot of great feedback about that post. Charlene, my Soul Sister, texted me: “Loved your post!! Charlotte’s story and Logan’s essay show what love and guidance from a devoted Christian mother and God’s goodness can do together.” To God be the glory!
Answered prayers
This last semester was a doozy for Logan. It was really hard. Thankfully, it ended on a very positive note.
Thursday, December 11
Journal entry
Logan’s group presentation and final exam went very well today. He felt like he studied just the right amount. He sounded so good on the phone.
Thanks be to God for answering my prayers.
Favorite thing
During his Christmas break from college, I asked Logan what his favorite thing was about this season—when I’m basically living on our couch. He said his favorite thing is how I’m available to talk any time. I loved that. On Christmas night, we stayed up talking ’til 4 A.M. The next night? ’Til 2 or 3. And the next one? ’Til 3. Those late-night talks are priceless opportunities to listen, learn and speak truth.
Good, long talks can bear some delightful fruit.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him,
bearing fruit in every good work…
Colossians 1:9b-10b, RSV
Thank you for your prayers.
Your turn
Did one of these stories stand out to you? If so, read it again and ask the Lord what he’s showing you or asking you to do. Reflect quietly. Be still. Seek what the Lord has for you.
Did one of the phrases from Colossians 1 grab your attention? Do you thirst for more of one of these spiritual realities? Continued praying. Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will. Having spiritual wisdom and understanding. Leading a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him. Bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:9b-10b, RSV) If you answered yes or maybe about one of those phrases, reread that section. Ask God to grow you and bless you in that area. And keep on asking him. Linger at that phrase. Linger daily, as long as you need to. Linger for days, weeks, months.
Linger.
Coming next: We’ll continue to explore some wonderful examples of the truths in Colossians 1:9-14. You’ll read about lost and found, a movie, and the note I wrote on Thanksgiving.
Until next time, thanks for reading and for Choosing Peace.
Truth from The Word: Psalm 121
Song: “He Will Keep You (Psalm 121)” by Sovereign Grace Music
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