Ready
So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace of God that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13, Amplified)
Tomorrow is the day of my surgery. About 36 hours from right now, I’ll be in recovery. This will also put me past the halfway point of the complete treatment plan given to me back in December. Tomorrow is a big day!
For the past week, I have been intentionally preparing – physically, mentally, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually.
I’ve watered all the plants.
I’ve caught up on the laundry.
I’ve cleaned out the refrigerator of any fruits/veggies that won’t last 4-5 days more.
I’ve scheduled a sweet housecleaner to get things ready for my homecoming.
I’ve packed my suitcase with 3 different kinds of pajamas, since I don’t know what will feel the most comfortable.
I’ve followed all of the many pre-surgical protocols.
Earlier this week, I had a CT scan to give my Oncologist Surgeon an updated look at the area he will be focusing on. An earlier CT (back in December) was what alerted us to this disease in the first place. And now the surgeon was able to compare the two. This brought good news! He confirmed that the tumors have shrunk, fluid that shouldn’t have been there before has now dried up, and everything looks like he was hoping it would after 3 rounds of chemo. When you’re walking through something like this, hearing happy news of any kind is, well . . . happy! 😃
Dick and I also had meetings with several medical personnel to talk through many details – everything from where to park and come into the hospital to how long the surgery would probably last. As you can imagine, there was much to discuss, and I was so grateful Dick was there so we could have two sets of ears to process everything.
So in those many ways . . . we are ready.
But the Lord has been readying me for this surgery over the last several weeks in other respects. Let me explain.
- A friend sent me a song that he had written several years ago. He thought it would be an encouragement. As I listened to the words, based on Isaiah 43, (a passage my sister gave me to hold onto from day 1 of this journey) I was not only drawn in and ministered to, I thought, “This is what I believe God wants me to hear right before they take me back to surgery.”
When you walk through the waters
They won’t overflow you
When you pass through the fire
You will not be burned
My presence will go with you
I will not forsake you
So set your gaze on Me
Breathe in My peace
I will hear these words, and yes, I will breathe in His peace as I drift off to sleep . . .
- Along those same lines, three scriptures that have been brought to my attention from family and friends over the last two days are these that I will read right before I am taken to the operating area:
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
“In quietness and confidence is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15 – middle section)
God’s word is truly alive and active . . . . (Hebrews 4:12)
- Another friend shared a powerful dream she had that was specific to my surgery. It was filled with amazing, vivid, encouraging details. According to God’s word, He often speaks in dreams. I’m definitely holding to the hopes expressed in this one!
- Dick and I have been reading through a psalm a day, and God has spoken so intentionally to us. There is no doubt He’s had a plan as to which psalm we have read on which day. This morning, we were slated to read Psalm 46 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble. So “be still and know that I am God”. Perfect, right?? The accompanying devotional went on to say this:
Be still.
Be quiet.
Look up.
Calm down.
God reigns.
Tomorrow, the surgery is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to last 4-5 hours. I will potentially be in the hospital for 3-5 days. Thanks to every single one of you who have been and will be lifting me up in prayer over these next days. As much as I can possibly be . . . and through Christ who gives me strength . . . I’m ready.
One more scripture I’ve used in several posts already . . . but there is nothing wrong with repetition. ♥️
He rescued us from so great a threat of death and will continue to rescue us. On Him we have set our hope. And He will again rescue us [from danger and draw us near], while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then thanks will be given by many persons on our behalf for the gracious gift of deliverance granted to us through the prayers of many [believers]. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11, Amplified)
32 Comments
Les Stoltzfus
Love you guys and we are praying for you daily.
Denise Reed Cooper
Lifting you up in prayer right now & tomorrow too!
tana lonon rogers
Praying for you and standing in agreement….you are indeed, in His Hands and in the cleft of the Rock!
Cristy Ludwig
Praying for you and Dick every day 💛
JAN MARKOWITZ
Father God, we ask You guide the surgeon and staff and see to it Melodie’s surgery goes well and is successful. All cancer be gone in the name of Jesus!!!! Heal her well and see to it her pain is managed well. We thank You ahead of time for this great victory for our dear sister in the Lord. We love YOU Melodie!!!!! God is with you and He is MIGHTY!!!!
Michael Sandifer
Just letting you know, I am continuing to pray for your complete healing.
Lori Westerman Brooks
You are simply amazing, Mel! Your strength and beautiful faith are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing this journey so lovingly. Sending you love and cyber hugs! Praying for you and your care team, and your surgery and recovery a great success. Take care and God bless you and yours… ❤️❤️ Lori
Scott Millsap
The words to the chorus of one of great old hymns comes to mind today as I read your blog:
“Some through the waters,
Some through the flood,
Some through the fire,
BUT ALL THROUGH THE BLOOD!
Some through great sorrow,
But God gives a song,
In the night season
And all the day long!”
The phrase “But all through the blood” is such a wonderful promise to those of us who are His children! We can walk through many things, but through it ALL, we are covered in the blood of our sweet Savior!
I am praying for you and Dick and the entire medical team that will be with you tomorrow.
Blessings!
Kathy Smith
What a privilege for Steve and me to be praying for you, Melodie! We will be holding you and Dick close to our hearts tomorrow, praying for the wonderful surgical team God has assembled and equipped, asking for every cancer cell to be removed, and trusting your recovery will go smoothly.
Sending our love,
Steve and Kathy Smith
Lotte Dedeaux
Love you both so much. Continuing to pray for you and Dick, the doctors and your family….y’all are such a special couple to so many
Micki Thurman
Sweet Mel, prayining specific prayers regarding your surgery. You walk in ordered steps! God has gone before you to part the sea. You will not be overtaken. You will come forth as pure gold to declare His marvelous works. Fasting and praying for you. The peace of God is tangible. I feel His peace.
Nan Allen
Praying for you, sweet friend! God is in the healing business.
Wendy Joseph
Dear Lord,
Thank you for going before Mel into this battle against cancer. Surround Mel, the doctors and Dick tomorrow with your power and your peace. Thank you for holding her close to your heart as we do Lord. Thank you for being right there in the room with her during those 4 to 5 hours of surgery. Touch her and heal her.
We love you Lord and put our dear friend Mel in your mighty and capable hands. In Jesus name we ask this. Amen🙏🏻
Missy Clements
So beautiful to hear how God has sweetly prepared you for tomorrow! I love your heart!♥️I read this sweet prayer online and thought it was perfect for your situation! God ‘s got you in His loving care and you are lifted up by your prayer warriors!!
” Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up the hands of the surgeon who will care for my friend today. May they be guided not just by training, but by divine insight. Let wisdom flow through their thoughts, their eyes, their hands. Keep them attentive and confident. Thank You for being the source of every good gift, including skilled doctors.
I pray for each person involved in this procedure-from the surgeon to the nurse, from the anesthesiologist to the technician. Keep their minds sharp and their hearts calm. Give them supernatural focus and steady attention to detail.
Use their skills as instruments of Your healing.
After the procedure, I ask for a gentle, quick recovery. Let healing come steadily and surely. Ease any discomfort and guard against complications. Surround my friend with strength for each new day. Thank You for walking with them through
the journey of healing. Amen.”
The Crowders
Linda and I have you in our hearts and in our prayers. May the Lord guide your surgeon’s hands and give him skills he doesn’t even know he has. Blessings for a rapid and total recovery. Joe and Linda.
Todd Twining
Praying daily for you, Mel and Dick!
Mark Hauth
Lord Jesus, place your hands on the surgeon’s hands tomorrow and let it be a great success. May Melodie experience supernatural peace as she recovers, and may YOUR name be glorified!
Evie Karlsson
Tomorrow is already in His hands. And you both are covered in the protection of the blood of the Lamb.
Pelle and I pray daily for you. What a privilege to stand with you and all the hundreds (or thousands!) that are praying as well. How beautiful- the Body of Christ. Rest well tonight in Jesus’ name. Love you guys. (Addressing you both because you are literally one!)
Sheree Tynes
When I was in a Bible study some years ago, the leader went over what biblical numbers indicated. I have not thoroughly investigated this, but I liked what the number 4 means, especially since you will be having this surgery on the 4th day of March. Our group was told that “4” represents God’s creative power on earth. Examples: the 4 directions, 4 seasons, and such. So, I pray our Great Physician will be exercising HIS creative power and that you feel HIS velvet-steel
Arms tenderly holding you. In Zephaniah 3:17 we’re told that the Father sings over us. I pray you’ll hear the whole trio: God the Father, the Son and the precious Holy Spirit as you continue this journey.
Love you, dearly! 🙏🏻🙌🏻🕊💕🙏🏻🙌🏻🕊💕
Nancy Sullivan
I’m praying for you tonight and will be as you have surgery tomorrow. Hugging you from afar.
Lisbeth Cease
Oh, precious gift…. You have been in my prayers so often… and especially tonight. I pray you rest well, know He has you swaddled in comfort, healing rest, and quiet joy these next several days. This journey, though I know at times overwhelming with confusion, fear, yet openly shared with continued courage and steadfast faith, has been a gift of divine measure to many of us. Know we are on our knees at the feet of Jesus proclaiming our gratefulness in your healing and continued affirmation of His glory shown in you. Breathing in and out Yah-weh over you, precious daughter of the King!
Patty Bowman Kingsley
Melodie,
Praying this moment, with words of blessing on the hospital, those caring for you and others. On the surgeons, skill and the guidance of Holy Spirit upon their hands. For the hope set before you, in both heaven and earth. That you will indeed endure all things, as your love deepens with your Saviour and those surrounding you. May the ministry of Holy Spirit hold you, and Dick, and your family today and always.
Heal well, and fully, with rest, and peace, as residential companions in the hospital and in your home.
Until soon,
Patty Bowman Kingsley 🇨🇦
Beth (Wilson) Simonds
It’s today – surgery day! Mel, you were the first thing on my mind this morning and in my prayers throughout the night. God has gathered and guided all of the right people around you for such a time as this. God will be your strength as you recover and give special blessings to Dick and the girls as they give you their love and support. We will continue to pray. Much love!
Travis Cottrell
We are praying for you today and every day! I’m excited to hear your faith-building testimony on the other side of this day!
Stephanie Hall
My heart is with you, Mel. According to this post the procedure has begun. Prayers of victory and peace for you, Dick, and all of yours through your healing. Big hugs.
Stephanie Hall
Patrick malone
We are here to get ready for our eternal home.
Keren Ware Cummins
Praying all day! As are my study group, church and other friends. Love you cuz!
Raja O’Brien
Mel.. I have prayed for you every day and will continue to do so! 💗🙏
Nita Wood
Praying for ALL that God has implanted in your spirit for He Will Perform HIS PERFECT WORK IN AND THROUGH YOU!!! Sending lots and lots of love to both you and Dick. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️
Connie Edwards
Praying for you to have peace and joy in the midst of this journey and praying for your medical team! God bless you.
Connie Kroeze
I have been praying for you daily.
Here’s a song that came to mind after your last post. YouTube.com/watch?v=4M5oCxhMsw Why So Downcast. I love this a cappella version!
Alexandre Rezende
Praying for you. For years your songs have been a source of inspiration to my life. God is Your healer and your Shepherd. I trust He will be completing the good work in you.