2021 Daily Devotion - Day 459

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“It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You!
It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You!”

Written by: Elyssa Smith
Surrounded (Fight my Battles)

We often sing this song during our praise worship service at Mount of Olives. This song became my mantra during a scary time in my life. I would like to share it with you.

One night I woke up feeling dizzy and struggling to breathe. I immediately dismissed it as being anxiety which tends to worsen at night. Later that day, I noticed that my left foot was turning a purplish color. I notified my primary doctor who advised me to go to the ER immediately. My sister took me to the ER to be evaluated. By this time, the pain was radiating down my leg, and I could hardly breathe. I was diagnosed with a blood clot that originated in my leg and travelled to my lungs. I was admitted to the hospital for further treatment of the DVT and Pulmonary Embolism.

The ER doctor on staff said if I had waited any longer, this could’ve been fatal. That night I laid in a dark hospital room sobbing, asking GOD, “Why did this happen to me?” “Why would You take me away from my family?” At that moment, I reached my hand out to the side of my bed, closed my eyes, and felt my Heavenly Father sitting with me holding my hand. I felt His presence, and I was able to rest.

During the weeks that passed, I was hit with two serious medical diagnoses, changing my life forever. I was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus. Both medical conditions would require a lifetime of medications, specialists, and physical limitations. Day after day, I would hear from my medical team about the risks of cardiac arrest, stroke, compromised kidneys, lungs and neurological issues. I would need to slow down, and be forever vigilant of any new symptoms which arose. I would have to try a variety of medications that would make me sick and unable to function. But after that night in the hospital, I would never feel alone again. The way I cope is by holding the hand of my Heavenly Father. He will get me though this!

“It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You.”

Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You will never leave our sides. You will bring peace to all who suffer. You will hold our hands through whatever this life throws at us. Knowing this brings us comfort. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Gina Guerrero
Mount of Olives Church Member, Cursillo Alumni, Volunteer
Mount of Olives Church
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