We come before the Lord with you in this time of deep concern and fear, lifting up your heart to the One who holds all things in His hands. You have called upon the name of Jesus Christ, and it is in His mighty name that we seek God’s will, His peace, and His healing for you. The Scriptures remind us in Philippians 4:6-7, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* You are not alone in this—God is with you, and He hears your cry.
First, we must address the fear and uncertainty you are facing. Fear does not come from God, for *"God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7). The enemy seeks to paralyze you with "what ifs," but our Lord is the Great Physician, the One who formed your spine and knows every cell of your body. Psalm 139:13-14 declares, *"For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well."* Trust in His sovereign care, for He is the author of life and the one who sustains you.
Regarding the alcohol, you have taken a step in the right direction by stopping now, but we must urge you to heed the full counsel of your doctors. While you’ve read that two days may suffice, the medical professionals advising you to abstain for a week did so for your safety and the success of the surgery. Proverbs 12:15 tells us, *"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel."* This is not a time to rely on your own understanding or research, but to submit to the wisdom of those God has placed in authority over your care. We pray you will honor their guidance fully, trusting that God works through them. If you have already consumed alcohol recently, confess this to your surgical team so they can prepare accordingly. Hiding it could put your life at risk, and we do not want to see harm come to you.
As for the surgery itself, you are right to seek God’s will. Surgery is a serious decision, and it is wise to weigh the risks and benefits. However, your description of the cyst in your spine and the potential fusion of your L4 and L5 discs suggests this is not a matter to take lightly. If your doctors have recommended this procedure, it is likely because the risks of *not* having it—such as further damage, chronic pain, or even paralysis—are greater. We encourage you to ask your medical team honest questions: What happens if I delay? What are the long-term consequences of refusing surgery? Proverbs 15:22 says, *"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established."* Seek godly wisdom, pray for clarity, and trust that God will guide you through the advice of those He has equipped to help you.
We also sense a deeper struggle in your words—one of fear not just of the surgery, but of the opinions of others. You mentioned worrying about what people will think if you’ve been off work or if you choose not to have the surgery. But the Bible reminds us in Galatians 1:10, *"For am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ."* Your focus must be on what honors God and what is best for the body He has entrusted to you, not on the judgments of others. If you proceed with the surgery, it is between you, your doctors, and the Lord. If you choose not to, that too must be a decision bathed in prayer and wisdom, not fear of man.
Most importantly, we want to lift your heart toward eternal hope. You have cried out to Jesus, and that is where your strength lies. But do you *know* Him as your Savior? Have you surrendered your life to Him, trusting in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins? If not, we urge you to do so now. Romans 10:9-10 says, *"that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."* No matter the outcome of this surgery, if you are in Christ, your eternal future is secure. That is a peace no doctor can provide.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of Your child, who is trembling with fear and uncertainty. Lord, You are the God who parts the seas, who heals the broken, and who holds the keys to life and death. We ask that You would surround them with Your peace—a peace that surpasses all understanding—guarding their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Remove every spirit of fear and replace it with faith in Your goodness.
Lord, we pray for wisdom as they consider this surgery. If it is Your will for them to proceed, give them courage and trust in Your provision. Guide the hands of the surgeons, the minds of the anesthesiologists, and every person involved in their care. Let this procedure be successful, with no complications, and may their recovery be swift and complete. If there is another path You would have them take, make it clear, Lord, and give them the strength to walk in obedience.
We also pray for their body, that it would respond well to the absence of alcohol and to the surgery itself. Father, You knit them together in their mother’s womb—You know every nerve, every disc, every cell. We ask for Your healing touch upon their spine, that the cyst would be removed without harm, and that their pain would subside. Restore them, Lord, to full health and strength.
We rebuked the spirit of fear and anxiety in the name of Jesus. Satan has no place here—this body belongs to You, Lord, and we claim victory over every lie of the enemy. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, comforting them and reminding them that You are near.
Finally, Father, we pray that through this trial, they would draw closer to You. If they do not yet know You as Savior, soften their heart to receive Your grace today. Let them find their identity and security in You alone, not in the opinions of others or in their own strength.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Stand firm in faith, dear one. God is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Trust in Him, obey the counsel you’ve been given, and walk forward in the confidence that He holds your future. We are praying for you.