It was my usual 6 month skin check up! I prepared my mind with hope and expectation of a clear scan with gratitude for my doctor and the continued care I have experienced. The wait was longer than usual so I inquired of updates. Soon after I was taken back to my relief since preschool was soon ending. I was greeted, “you’re here today for your three month check from your recent mole removal.” “Oh!,”I replied with both surprise and relief. Time was tight so with only one focus point on my body and not the anticipated full body scan this would be brief. I changed to prepare and prayed as I waited for the doctor. I was confident not in the outcome per se but I do always pray for the best scenario which is a clear scan yet also exposure of anything for the care needed.
God has been faithful in my health journey and with me every step of the way! Soon the doctor enters smiling and inquiring of how the holidays were as we exchanged some light conversation. As she proceeds to check the spot, she shares “the pigmentation has come back and we will have to remove more skin margins as I expected.” “I’m getting used to this process and becoming quite the veteran, I chuckled. “I know and I am sorry,” my doctor replied as she prepared her numbing needle. I continued openly expressing my gratitude for her care and continued thanks that although I was becoming more experienced then I would like it was a blessing to be proactive and have the preventative care done. The needle went in. I breathed in and out softly. I wasn’t tense. I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t devastated. I was leaning into trust!
There was once a time that prayer for regular skin checks to be clear but results that yielded irregular or concerning spots would have sent me into fear and torment. Now instead gratitude and heavenly perspective that God is caring for me. This is what rose up in me. This assurance was the fruit of a relationship and a deep walk with not just the God of the universe but my loving Father who continues to care for me. A silent prayer of thanks for exposing what needed to be removed, steady hands and continued trust. The procedure was complete. “We will send this off to the lab and call you with the results.” No time to second guess. I quickly dressed, grabbed my belongings and was out the door to pick up my daughter. I drove off choosing to cast my care and intentionally decided the time in between would be enjoyed! I never doubted God’s faithfulness as I waited.
In truth, those in between past times were once full of worry, fear and anxiety for me. The what ifs but now rest. “I’m believing for clear margins but if they are not God will be with me for that too. He will give me the strength and the ability to go through. I will not waste the time in between and allow the enemy to steal the present.” These were my confessions. My hope was anchored in Him!
Several days later I received the follow up call. “Ashley, we have your results. The skin margins are all clear and nothing further is needed.” “Well praise the Lord I replied with jubilee!” I even heard the rep chuckle. Please let my doctor know my gratitude and thank you. I hung up that phone delighted to share with my family the good news and celebrate the day! Another victory! Another mountain! Another testimony of God’s faithfulness – His healing by whatever means and timing. Another opportunity to tell the story. God is not just the answered prayer but he is the time in between the answer.
Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
Philippians 4:6-7
Love, Ashley Shuell, Journalist for Jesus ✍️
A.R.I.S.E from ash 