Cancer Round Two
On the morning of May 13, I read the following from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:
Thank Me in the midst of the Crucible. When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.
Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by walking close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances.
My sister was having a biopsy on a lymph node in her neck later that same afternoon. The lymph node removed contained cancer she was told. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer during the summer of 2013. We both grew spiritually through the journey of surgery and recovery. I was not expecting to have the cancer show up again. My assumption was we had learned the lessons the disease could teach us and there would now be new and different challenges. God, it seems, thought there was more to be gained by a second round.
Fighting the fear was the greatest challenge in round one. My sister commented in the evening after the biopsy she was better prepared this time because she had collected tools and insight equipping her to deal with the fear more effectively. I went to sleep that night by repeating over and over to myself: “I trust you, Jesus!” I was able to go to sleep relatively quickly, but I was wide awake at 4:30 am. I did not feel fear or anxiety…..I felt numb and a difficulty concentrating. I found comfort in the fingerprints of God I discovered today during my devotional time. One of the scripture references from yesterday’s reflection from Jesus Calling was I Thessalonians 5:18 “Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I sang this scripture in church the Sunday in 1985 when my mother died from breast cancer at the young age of 53. My sister and I have both out lived our mom. My 60th birthday was May 3 and my sister’s was May 11 making her age 58. Today’s reading from Jesus Calling (May 14) said the following:
I am a Mighty God! Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day’s demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation.
I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in my strength.
My sister declared to me she was equipped and at peace. I must confess, I am lagging behind a bit. Hear and receive with me in your spirit her words of faith she sent me at 5:08 am:
"Sherry, God is with us. He sees a greater good that you and I could not fathom from our perspective. He is with us! He is singing over us for victory is His. He has not forsaken us. There are bigger things at stake. We will stand firm. We will not be shaken. And we will witness miracles we could not even imagine. Lead on O King Eternal, for He gives us the victory.
AND I THOUGHT MY ROLE WAS TO BE THE ENCOURAGER!
Please join us in prayer as we prepare for Round Two with our "Crucible" of Cancer.