“Now to him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, immeasurably more than all we ask or think, according to his power that is at work with us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
She had hair about half inch long, a smile on her face, and a Bible in her hand. She sat on the same row with me at Bible Study. Cancer. Radar. A couple of months out from last treatment. I stared and smiled.
The Bible Study leader used Ephesians 3:20 for their text. The scripture is double underlined in my Bible, but the scripture looks different on my I phone. It does not have the same emotional connection to me as that well worn page. Twenty-four years ago this scripture was important to me. Twenty-four years ago in two weeks I was told I had cancer. Twenty-four year survivor. I was on my knees when I read this that night before surgery in Ephesians 3. “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ….You may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…” I asked God to keep me alive, help me to survive, and get through the fear.
I walked over to the lady after the Bible Study, kneeled, and shared my survival story and scripture with her. She was adding twenty four years to her age in her head. Then she smiled. Her fist name was the same as mine. She finished chemo three months ago, and it was her first night out without the wig. Memories and the mercy of God used to encourage someone just starting the journey to survivorship. (not a picture of her)
What scriptures mean something to you? What time do they remind you of? When have you last shared scripture with a stranger?