Thank you to all of you who prayed and encouraged me this week. The pain subsided, and I was able to get some rest. The power of prayer is really remarkable. I have a bone scan this Tuesday to see if anything has progressed.
Along with the prayers that went up, I was reminded of the promises that are sent down to us. My dear mother wrote me an e-mail which pointed out that the Bible is full of normal, everyday people that God chose to walk a path unknown and uncomfortable for a greater purpose. They did not feel equipped to carry God's Word, and many of them suffered greatly (a lot more than I am).
My mother wrote me this:
In my Bible reading, I have been reminded of the physical disability that plagued the Apostle Paul, but God did not heal it. But Paul did live a long life dedicated to his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus..
Also, more recently, I was reading the story of Joseph again. First, his jealous brothers sold him as a slave. He found favor by Potipher. But because of a lie by Potipher's wife, he was put in prison for approximately 13 years. He, then interprets the dreams of two jail mates and also the dreams of the Pharaoh and is put in charge preserving Egypt's grain during a famine. When he is about 30, he finally reunites with his beloved father (long story made short). My point is, he suffered for many years.
I too have been reading of some long journeys. I started reading a chapter a day (sometimes I get so involved in a story I read more) of the Old Testament. As I reflect on these characters of the Bible, there is always a wait and trust scenario in each situation. They are given a promise, and must trust that it will happen. Meanwhile, they don't just sit around waiting, they continue on in faith believing that when God says He will do something, He will do it in His own timing.
Noah was told his family would be spared from a flood. He had to rely on God's word, step out in faith and build a huge boat (my kids would be mortified), and then wait for the rain. Abraham was told he would have decedents that would outnumber the stars. His wife was barren.
Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring[d] be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
He had a long wait, but eventually got Isaac, who was the father of Jacob, the father of Joseph...which all led to David...which led to Jesus.
I don't like waiting. I will find the shortest line, put a child in another line, see who gets there first type scenario. Those who live in La Verne understand the game of waiting at our local Vons Gas Station. All for the savings of ten or twenty cents on a gallon.
My mom wrapped up her loving e-mail with this truth:
"Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." Psa. 119:49,50. Yes, there will be pain and ups and downs because of the cancer that wants to take your life. But God continues to hold you in His righteous right hand, rescuing you from your afflictions. Every time, when you have been down, He has been there to restore your health. You may never be cured, not that I don't believe He could do it this very moment. But His ways are not our ways. There is a bigger picture for you. You are on His journey and I believe it will be a long journey.
Thanks Mom,
Sandy
