An Insidious Enemy

 ² That's what those who have been set free by the Lord should say.       He set them free from the power of the enemy.- Psalm 107:2


Donna has cancer.  There... I said it.  I'm so tired of friends and family falling victim to this awful disease that has almost become an entity unto itself in our society.  It is the enemy we fear as we make our choices each day of what to eat, drink, or use.  It lurks in our food, our medications, our makeup and lotions and even in the sunshine of our vacations.  And sometimes it doesn't even need to be hiding in something we put into our bodies... it just appears out of nowhere.  What an insidious enemy!


Immediately after hearing the diagnosis, one of Donna's friends from her small group at church (who, by the way, has been there and done that and bought the T-shirt) arranged for a prayer service for Donna's healing. What a joy to see a couple of dozen people gather for her!  I think most of us were there not only to support Donna, but to find support for ourselves as we prepared to be there for her in the long-run.  


What do people do without a support system like this?  How can people manage without Jesus with skin on being there to help them along the way?  How do they go on without the knowledge that so many people are lifting them up in prayer?


At Holy Cross we are very blessed to have many small groups where we are able to form strong bonds with other members of our church.  These small groups, in turn, strengthen our whole church.  And when a member falls ALL are ready to come to aid of the fallen and pick them up.  And what a miracle that God always places us among people who have experienced what we are about to go through, so that they may bring a little light to the dark path that lies before us.  


I would bet that Donna could physically feel our prayers for her last night.  As we prayed we felt the unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit.  We felt love in our hearts for our sister in need.  We felt the sense of hope that only He can bring.


Holy God,
Thank you for the hope you bring.  Thank you for medical research that is working hard to bring about a way to vanquish this enemy forever.  Guide them and lead them to the answers we need.  I pray that you will bring healing to Donna.  Amen.


Joys:  The power of prayer; people who have "been there and done that" and are there to share with those beginning the journey; cancer research