Sunday, July 24, 2011

2 Corinthians 4:17

Here is an excerpt from the April 2011 issue of Homelife. God had especially brought 2 Corinthians 4:17 to my attention a few days ago. Then I found this magazine today. I was reading it while waiting to be pre-admitted for my surgery in March (not knowing that that surgery would begin a chain of events for the next 4 months). I  remembered I saved it for a reason. This is why:

     Since that fateful day in 2006, I've witnessed all of the good that has come of tragedy, and I'm beginning to recognize why it was necessary. The flashing sign INCLEMENT WEATHER. NO UNNECESSARY TRAVEL was not a word of admonition; it was a word of instruction. God was teaching me His wisdom for living the Christian life. I cracked the code: Trials are necessary to accomplish God's higher purposes. This is for my good and His glory.
     Although these days the world appears to be out of control and seems utterly chaotic, know that there is a God with a perfect order to things, a God who does everything out of love to produce something better in us. The pain we experience is the principle consequence of living in a fallen and flawed world. But God's redemptive promise is that, one day, He will remove evil and suffering from this world, after accomplishing a greater, eternal good.
     The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:45 that God causes His sunlight to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Regardless of the climate today or the forecast tomorrow. keep the faith. Muster the strength to pray:
     Dear God, whether or not You choose to change my circumstances, I will trust in You still. And Lord, whether or not You call on me to suffer a little longer, I will worship You even still, for You embodied 'suffering well' for my sake. Either way, Lord, I know that You are in control. Not my will, but Yours be done. In Jesus' name, Amen.
     Perhaps you're currently facing the buffeting tempests of a job loss, a financial crisis, a startling medical diagnosis, or personal tragedy. As believers, we don't have to linger in the dark storms of life, waiting for the ominous shadows to pass. We walk in the assurance of God's redemptive plan because we're covered by the ultimate umbrella of protection: Jesus Christ. Second Corinthians 4:17 reminds us, "For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory."
     Whether you're grieving a natural disaster, mourning our disordered universe, or weeping over misfortunes of your own making, don't allow your current trial to blot out the light. Look toward the Son, and you will find refuge in Christ alone during life's fiercest storms.
Weathering the Storms of Life - Casey Ewen Avenriep (Read her full personal story here.)

Still My God

Monday, July 18, 2011

Courage

Please read the latest post written by my daughter on her blog: Finishing

God never ceases to amaze me at the ways He lets us know He's there.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Good report

I am so glad to be able to share that we got a good report today. My surgeon had told us that he would be on vacation this week, and I would see his physician's assistant. She was able to tell us that the biopsies from surgery last week all came back with clean margins. No cancer found! We were so relieved and so thankful. I've learned to not put God in a box. I wanted to believe we'd get the good news. I also know that we didn't hear what we expected after my last two surgeries. I know God can do whatever He wants to do, and He will always be faithful through the circumstances. We are so thankful He chose to give us good news today! Since the report was good I was released from this surgeon. I'll soon make an appointment to see my primary surgeon in Birmingham in the next few months. Though I will still be making trips to Birmingham, it is "back to normal". Normal in this context is a good thing :)

Edited to add: It's Scary to Be Us - Beth Moore

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Step by Step

Oh, God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You,
Oh, God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You.
I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways,
And step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.
"Sometimes by Step" by Rich Mullins
Sung by Brooke Fraser Ligertwood

We just got home from Birmingham. This was one of the songs I listened to on our way back. Brooke Fraser songs just lift my spirit at just the right moment.

Surgery went well. I was told to be at the hospital at 8:00 a.m. on Friday morning. My surgery was about 12-12:30. Don't know exactly when. I just know I was present in the operating room before it started ;)  Recovery wasn't a great experience due to a not so attentive nurse. I'll just leave it at that. (I didn't have to have a feeding tube this time. I know pain meds will be my friend for the next few days, though.) 

The Dynasplint did its work once again. The doctor basically did the very same surgery as before to get deeper margins all around this time. They weren't able to do a quick test in surgery. I still have inflamed tissue that needs to fully heal from the surgery on May 27th, and the results of a quick test wouldn't have been reliable.

I should, hopefully, find out the results of the pathology report on Thursday when we go back to Birmingham for my follow-up appointment. Please pray that we get a good report. The doctor said he felt good about the surgery, but he's now done everything he can do robotically.

This was my devotional from Jesus Calling on Monday: "Rest with me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey. I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you.
I am with you, watching over you wherever you go. Psalm 143:8; Genesis 28:15

One thing I do know. My God is sovereign.