The last few days of April 2017 were filled with all manner of emotion from fear to confusion and finally to complete peace as I surrendered to God’s will. That trek from fear to peace was made possible by the ongoing prayers of the Body of Christ. How do I know it was God answering the prayers? Because it was and is a peace that passes understanding. From the moment I heard the words “mass in your liver” there were no factual changes. There had not been a biopsy or ultrasound or CT scan that changed or expanded the fact that I had a mass in my liver yet I moved into peaceful surrender to whatever was taking place.

This mass turned out to be an infection that responded well to antibiotics. The cause of the infection was a long standing, 30-year battle with diverticular disease. Due to the length of time managing the disease and the effect on my liver, surgery was not just suggested, it was required.

Having known this would happen eventually, I had already met with a surgeon. To my surprise and disappointment, he was not available to do the surgery required. I refused to let disappointment be the winner, I went to my prayer partners asking they pray for God’s wisdom.

Searching reliable sources of Medstar, I found Dr. Phillip Ferris, chief of colorectal surgery at Franklin Square Hospital. I knew he was God’s man for the job as I listened to his story and read his biography. What’s more, he was a part of Medstar and DocZoc which made it possible to schedule an appointment right away. Another God moment came when I realized the appointment was on my birthday! It was like a birthday present from God.

There have been many God moments around this surgery but one that stands out. Dr. Ferris told my family that after one and a half hours into the surgery he nearly gave up and thought he should remove my colon entirely. Something gave him the perseverance to go on for another three hours. I know that was my God answering the prayers of my Christian family. This man went on to complete the surgery overcoming every obstacle to send me home reconnected.

His associate said I was doing fantastic. He said it was because I was motivated to get well.  My motivation was the result of the loving care I was receiving through prayers. When in doubt—shout out a prayer request. Even if it is basically a prayer request for wisdom from God. God hears our prayers and responds.

Sherry Crockett