In His Strength

 “We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy.”  Colossians 1:11 MSG

Unfortunately, I have some sad news. The recent medical tests I’ve done have shown that my cancerous tumor has grown. The concern now is that the growth will negatively impact the surrounding organs. Needless to say, I’m praying for the tumor to shrink. I’d appreciate you praying with me.

This news of tumor growth is not what I wanted (or prayed) to hear. I’ve been asking and praying for a miracle. I’ve been praying for a healing miracle from the cancer for eight years. I’ve seen answers to prayer over that time, but I still have cancer. It hasn’t gone away. As I reflected on this most recent disappointing news, I realized that actually nothing has changed. I’m still going to do everything I can in self-care to strive for healing—and I’m going to continue to trust God who has carried me and sustained me over all this time. I have more information, but I’m going to continue in the same way I’ve been walking. In short, I’m choosing to persevere! With God’s help, I’ll keep going.

I may be healed—or I may not. I may live one more day—or ten more years. It’s in God’s hands. I’ll keep asking for the miracle, the answer to prayer, like the widow in the Bible who kept persistently asking the judge for justice against her adversary. I trust God’s sovereignty over my life come what may. I’m in His hands—but I’ll keep asking!

God has been with me in all I’ve gone through. He’s been with me even when it’s seemed He was silent. He’s been with me when it seemed as if He was roaring like Aslan to keep evil forces at bay. He’s been with me in tender, quiet whispers. He’s been with me in singing over me. He’s been with me as He lovingly guided me in hundreds of decisions. He’s been with me in strength when I felt so incredibly weak. He’s been with me in my tears as I mourned the loss of my gentle giant. The point that is so very clear to me right now is that He has been WITH me…and He will continue to be, come what may. Why would I want to go any other way than on the way where He is with me? I trust His way.

I’m thanking Him for all He’s done, and I’m bringing my requests to Him. I’m grateful for the peace He gives (beyond understanding) as I walk through stressful times. I have moments of anxiety, but as I turn to Him and share my troubled heart, He always brings me back to a place of peace. He is faithful!

Oh God, have mercy on our sister, Sally. She loves You and has faithfully followed You. Continue giving her Your peace and strength as she endures this trial. Amen.