"He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
This past week did not turn out the way I thought. I was hoping that chemo would get started and that my pain would start backing down as the tumors started to shrink. Unfortunately, I was unable to start a new chemo because my insurance (for the first time) dragged their feet too long on getting the new chemo approved. I was able to get three bags of blood, which helped give me more energy, and my vitals came back to normal, but the platelets continue to be very low due to the cancer in my bone marrow having a hay day on my spine and torso.
Other discouraging news was that the chemo I thought was working to my advantage before the radiation seemed to stop working, so I had to switch (yet again) to another form of treatment. With each change I know my situation becomes more precarious, which weighs on my thoughts.
All these this lead me down the road to the above verse, which reminds me that God is greater than any circumstance I can face. It says so over and over in the Bible, and I believe it is true of following Him today. There is nothing that is impossible for God, and I am one of His faithful followers, so I can bank on the fact that if He is chooses so, He will work it out for me.
"Gods power to restore is stronger than Satan's power to destroy." Julie Ackerman Link
We have all heard of miracles, but it often seems that the miracles happen to others and not the people we know. This can be a discouraging thought that is placed in your heart by Satan to get you to stop asking, praying, talking to God, getting others to talk to God and trusting. God hears our prayers and has the ability to make our prayers happen. That kind of faith and power is given to us by the Holy Spirit, and we should always feel welcomed at the foot of the throne of God to approach and ask.
In anticipation of God doing something really fabulous and surprising to heal me and give me longevity, I started being thankful for all of God's gifts NOW, and dwelling on the good of my situation. Instead of focusing on the negative feelings and discouragement of not having chemo, I would thank God each morning, and throughout the day, for all the joy he brings to me. He also loves me through friends and family, through cards and flowers, through sunshine and rain (so nice to have last week!).
Knowing God's love for me, and His love for everyone on this earth, leaves me with such joy. I know that God is constantly seeking ways to shower His love on people, even those who do not acknowledge Him or deserve His love. The most appealing quality of knowing God, His Son Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit, is that the gifts they offer extend to all who will receive it. God takes you on some pretty weak terms. He does not wait for you to have your life all figured out and put together. He does not need you to try and clean yourself up, because He will do it for you. He gently washes you off with a soft cloth, not a high powered water gun. His mercies are new every morning.
Try some positive talk with God this week. Think of the many things you can thank Him for, though your life is a mess and needs lots of fixing. I figure God knows more than I do of what work needs to be done on me and in me. I'm just going to thank Him that he is merciful, and the best teacher around. He will lead me to the parts that need fixing, and he will fix the parts (healing) that only He can get to. I will just thank Him for who He is, what He has done, and the love and gifts He gives. God can do immeasurably more than we can imagine!
You can do this too!
Love,
Sandy
P.S. A prayer circle will be held at Glenkirk Church at 11:45 in sanctuary this Wednesday (10/16). All prayer warriors are welcomed!
