Experiencing God’s Presence and Peace in the Midst of Trials

Experiencing God’s Presence and Peace in the Midst of Trials

This guest post is written by my friend Rachael. Scroll down to learn more about her and her amazing kingdom ministry! 

“You’re going to need a full hysterectomy.”

It was the day before Thanksgiving when my doctor delivered this statement over the phone. Before we hung up, she also told me that she was referring me to an oncologist to perform the surgery because my blood work results were so unfavorable. I knew I had so much to be grateful for, especially in light of the upcoming holiday, however, I was not thankful for this news. 

Despite my shock and sadness about my situation, God’s intervention was immediately obvious to me because as I hung up the phone, I realized my Bible was already in my hands. In His lovingkindness, God had poured His words into my heart in preparation for my doctor’s call. It was as if He was surrounding me already with His promises and His presence. I could sense Him assuring me that He was aware of my circumstance and reminding me to cling to Him and His Scriptures during this trial. 

As I told my friends and family about my prognosis, they interceded on my behalf. They prayed for my healing. And for me to feel God’s presence. They also prayed that my mind would be at peace in the days leading up to my surgery because honestly, I was scared.

Their prayers worked. From the moment my eyes opened on the morning of my surgery until the nurses wheeled me into the operating room, I truly felt the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). 

I had prayed for rescue and mercy, and God answered my requests in the form of His presence. His intervention came in the form of His Spirit, and it came in the form of my loved ones, my doctors, and my nurses. 

I can testify that God never left my side. I’ve always known this to be the case. But through this most difficult of trials, I felt God quieting my heart and proving Himself faithful in a special way. 

Later when I recounted my health journey to a friend, I had an epiphany. I told her, “Never had I been in such pain, but never had I felt more loved.” This was such a strange tension but one I was oddly grateful for. 

During this experience, loved ones showered me with prayers, emails, texts, calls, social media messages, cards, gifts, and gift cards. My loved ones’ gestures truly brought me joy in the midst of my sorrow. Their acts of love helped me realize that God’s goodness is often displayed through His people. 

The outpouring of generosity continued even after my surgery and helped me appreciate the beautiful community God has given me. It reminded me of what a difference offering our love through word, prayer, presence, gift, or deed can make to others in their time of need. The people in my life displayed tangible reminders of God’s love and care for me. Knowing the difference their love offerings made to me during my time of need challenges me to do the same for others who are struggling. 

I’m so grateful to report that my biopsy results were benign. God intervened by healing my body. As thankful as I am and as much as I believe in the power of prayer, I actually don’t believe my faith is to credit for these positive results. I believe, for whatever reason, it was God’s will. 

I have several friends undergoing their own cancer journey right now. They haven’t been healed yet, and their faith is strong, much stronger than mine. Friends and family members have prayed for them fervently just as mine did for me, yet they are still sick. They are still struggling. They are still waiting for God to intervene. 

As I recount my story, I want to be sensitive to the fact that you too might be waiting for God to intervene. Or maybe one of your loved ones is. My encouragement to you is to look to God’s Word and recount His faithfulness revealed there. I also encourage you to write down how He has been faithful to you personally in the past. Because as my experience shows, His intervention may come through your healing and it might not, but it can always come in the form of His presence and peace in the midst of your trials. 

And as I also experienced, His intervention, is so often displayed through His people—through me and you. Could His intervention also come through you? Someone is praying so. 

Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of The Love Offering podcast Rachael Adams hopes to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. She and her husband, Bryan, live in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate. Her work has been featured on GMA, Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com. You can also search @rachaeladamsauthor on social media. Tune in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.