Tuesday, September 18, 2018

On the Fast Track


Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

I cannot begin to thank all my dear friends here at the blog and on Facebook for your kind and generous prayers for the success of my recent cataract surgery.  Yes, the outcome is everything I could have hoped for and more!  Had I been in the "dark" so long that I'd forgotten how brilliant and vibrant the colors of God's creation are?  All I can say is, every time I gaze upon anything, even the television, I am awed and humbled, so thankful that God has seen fit to restore my sight through the capable and talented hands of those who minister to me last Wednesday.

While most of you are praying for a safe operation, as the day approaches, I find myself asking the Lord for something else, something that to most folks might seem frivolous and inconsequential.  You see, I'm not one of those people who can go without food for any significant length of time.  If I'm forced to, I feel drained, irritable and downright grouchy.  Just ask my husband, Danny!  Nor am I a happy camper without my morning coffee.  But on the day of the surgery, I am allowed only a sip of water when I get up.

I have to fast.

And that's precisely what I pray to my Father about.  Because I know, it's only through His strength and grace that I can make it through this ordeal without physically and mentally collapsing.  Only God can place me on the "fast" track.

Does God hear my plea?  You better believe it!  And He answers in a bigger way than I could have ever envisioned, reminding me of just how large and in charge He is.

My fast begins at 5:30 a.m. and lasts until noon.  Not once do I miss coffee.  Not once does my fickle stomach feel anything but full - no growling, no rumbling, no nothing!  And when I'm finally free to eat and drink, I'm neither ravenous nor thirsty in the least.  I sip on orange juice and nibble at a ham sandwich that Danny has brought along, but am unable to finish either.

I am already filled.

Filled by the Holy Spirit.

And my heart overflows with gratitude to the One who received my prayer, and so graciously answered it.

Amen!

28 comments:

  1. Praise the Lord the operation went well.

    Is it true that now you have X Ray vision and can see through peoples' clothes like Superman did? Is that why you are always smiling these days?

    God bless.

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    1. Lol, Victor! I'm grateful the operation didn't include X Ray vision as there's so much I DON'T want to see when it comes right down to it. But yes, the vision I now have is excellent, praise the Lord!
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Glad to hear you did well. I have cataracts but for the past two years as I have anticipated having the surgery the doctor says, "Not yet Bill." But I'm excited for you Martha! And just think no more coffee ever since you now realize you can live without it. L)

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    1. Oh, no, Bill, I'm back into my former coffee routine! However, it was such a great learning experience to know that I can, and did, do without it. Once you do get your cataracts removed, you won't believe how bright and beautiful this world is.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Beautiful, Martha! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! So thankful for your eyesight being restored to the vibrant level again. And your story confirms how the Lord cares about even the small details like getting you through a short fast. :-)

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    1. Yes, Karen, God definitely does care about the details, doesn't He? Can't stop giving Him thanks and praise!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  4. God always gives us above and beyond what we can ask for or think, doesn't He? I'm so glad the colors are more vibrant, and I am awed how God filled you with His Holy Spirit that the fast didn't even affect you. :) Love and hugs to you, Martha!

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    1. God always goes above and beyond, that's for sure, Trudy. I'm definitely feeling overwhelmingly grateful to Him!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Amen and Amen!!! God is faith full!!!

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    1. Amen is right, Marla, and yes, God is ever faithful!
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Thanking God for your positive outcome! Isn't fasting the worst? Thank you for sharing your personal testimony!

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    1. Fasting is not fun, Myra, but I am so very thankful that God got me through that time without a hitch.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Praising the Lord with you, Martha, not only for a successful surgery but also for your ability to fast without a struggle. God is so very faithful to walk with us through those hard places.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. He is so very faithful, Kim! And there is no prayer or need too small that God doesn't hear it and care for the one who prayed.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. God is so good!! A beautiful post, Martha Jane. I'm so glad the surgery went so well!!

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    1. Yes, He is, Terri, good all the time!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Martha, I had to chuckle because I, too struggle with fasting—especially from my daily coffee. I'm so thankful that God sustained you with His precious Spirit. I'm also grateful for the success of the surgery. God is so, so good!

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    1. I hear you, Beckie, especially when it comes to coffee, which I'm drinking right at the moment. I'm so grateful to God that He saw fit to see me though!
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Our generous Provider! I had both eyes done recently. I was blind, but now I see!!
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    1. I knew that you had had this surgery recently, Lulu, and I thought about you as I prepared for mine. Only having the one eye done at this time, as in the other, the cataract has not progressed enough. Next year!
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Isn’t the God we worship awesome? I’m so glad everything was perfect for you. He surely knows how to take care of us. PT L

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    1. Yes, Nells, our God is awesome, indeed! So grateful for His love and care.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. How good that the cataract surgery has excellent results for you. In women's Bible study we are reading the Psalms, now those are wonderful prayers asking for God's help and trusting in him.

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    1. The Psalms never fail, do they, Terra? God is our present help in times of trouble, always.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  13. "I been in the "dark" so long that I'd forgotten how brilliant and vibrant the colors of God's creation are..."

    There is a whole sermon in that!

    God is so good.

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    1. Thank you, Sandi! Maybe that would work as a sermon.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. Believe me, Jean, I'm praising Him, too!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete

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