Grace Presbyterian Church, Montclair, New Jersey

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Pastor's Pulse

by Paul Leggett, Pastor

God’s Sustaining Goodness

May 2009

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” — Isaiah 43:2-3a

As many of you know, my wife, Beth, had breast cancer surgery this past March.  Cancer is the diagnosis that every person and every family fears.  However we were told that the cancer was detected early and was very treatable.  Our surgeon was a Christian herself and very supportive.  The day of the surgery we were very much aware of the prayer and support not only of the whole Grace Church family but of the Presbytery and other Christian friends as well.  More significantly, the surgeon told us that she, as well as other members of the medical team, could sense the prayer as they did the surgery.

In the days following the surgery we experienced enormous support through visits, cards, meals, flowers, gifts and calls from many people in the congregation.  Neighbors also brought flowers and gifts and assured us that they were praying for us.  The presence of the Lord was clearly felt through all these contacts.  As a family we could not be more grateful.

We had assumed the worst was over.  However, as of this writing, we’ve learned that Beth has to go for a same day surgery on April 24.  She will again be laid up for a couple of weeks.  The doctors’ concern is to evaluate her lymph nodes.  Based on what they find further treatment may be necessary.  In any event we are again assured that this is a case of early detection and the prognosis is very encouraging.

We do not know what each day brings.  We do know, however, that every day is a gift from the Lord.  The psalmist says, “My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day long, though their number is past my knowledge” (Psalm 71:15).

God continues to sustain all of us with his “deeds of salvation all day long.”  We thank and praise him for all his goodness.  And we thank him for all of you.