Tonight Pastor Estep informed the church of my diagnosis and requested prayer for decisions yet to be made. God knew the message I would need that evening. Evangelist Brent Sivnksty was preaching from Psalm 61. The title of his message: "Overwhelmed but not Overcome." Just the title speaks volumes, doesn't it?

The basic outline of the message:

1. His Cry "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer" (v. 1)
    a. Pleading: A plea of desperation
    b. Persistent: A statement of resolution

Defeat comes when we quit praying, when we allow our fear to overcome our faith.

2. His Condition
    "When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (v. 2)
    a. Submission
    b. Dependence

Only in God's presence will I find what I need.

3. His Confidence: God his Rock (v. 3)
    a. A Shelter
    b. A Strong Tower
    c. Tabernacle: the presence of God; unbroken fellowship
    d. The cover of God's wings signify intimacy, care, and protection.