Content In All Circumstances

Depending on one’s definition of contentment the concept can be more or less elusive and perhaps seemingly impossible to attain. For most people being content renders images of money enough to retire on, being surrounded by loved ones and maintaining ideal health… forever. Such goals are reasonable within the human perspective on life. We look for security in the things we can see, touch and feel. Hoping to be happy based on gratitude given by others is clearly a natural aspiration. What if…what about - when these circumstances change? What then? Is contentment more elusive than ever?

I hope in speaking for myself, more than one reader can identify with my regret over being foolish with finances and ruining the notion of early retirement. Having lived long enough to recount a number of bad decisions about relationships, I may have reduced my circle of love. One reason to write this blog is to share trials with cancer in hopes to encourage others, so clearly good health can’t be my source of contentment either. It seems to me contentment must be defined as a state of satisfaction, which can’t be altered by outside conditions. But can we be content in ALL circumstances? As a Bible believing Christian I am confident lasting contentment is attainable inasmuch as we desire to know Jesus; the One who keeps and delivers our souls.

Today, I had an exercise in learning to be content. As I sat in the doctor’s office waiting to find out if the two dense spots they found on a mammogram last month were anything to be concerned about, I considered the state of my heart. Anxiety wanted to creep in. Worry was waiting at the door. What would be the point of worrying about the outcome of the test? Jesus put it this way: "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:25-27) I prayed to the Lord again today to help me be content no matter what the test showed; positive or negative – “let me praise You Lord Jesus because You are so good to me.” I never met the technician before today, but I was elated when she told me I just had simple cysts – nothing to worry about.

As one of my doctors is given to say about cancer; “Once bitten twice shy.” It is a real possibility that though cancer is now in submission, it may reappear. To live in fear of any disease is far from biblical. “Perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4  To live in fear that my life may end sooner than later is a waste of the precious time God has allotted. Oh to be content always, in a constant state of dependence on the Lord! How much better that would be!

The apostle Paul wrote these words for our benefit: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul did not just arrive at this pinnacle of peace without first suffering loss. Of his tribulations he writes: “Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. (1 Corinthians 11:25-28)

All this Paul endured for the sake of Christ, for the privilege of knowing and proclaiming the One who set him free from sin and death! He was content I think because he knew that this world was not his home and a “better country” awaited him. Until I reach my heavenly habitation, I expect to wrestle against worry and at times find true contentment elusive. As Jesus replaces fear with peace of mind and perfect love I expect to be less encumbered by the world and look ever forward to the day when I meet my Lord at the door to His mansion above. With God all things are possible!

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Worship in Trial

How much can be endured? Why must we suffer at all? Last night after church service, one of the elders of the church gathered some others to pray for me because I had shared that a recent mammogram had shown some density that needs to be re-imaged. (See - James 5:14)  It’s been almost 16 months now that I’ve been treated for lung cancer with chemo, surgery, radiation and more chemo. After sharing this brief summary with one of these fine gentlemen he said, “Are you the daughter of Job?”

Not so amazingly to me anymore, the daily devotional I received in my email this morning was about the book of Job, chapter 1 to be specific. Job was being tested in his faith and in the process this man of great wealth lost all his sons and daughters, livestock and servants. His response is awesome! The scriptures say he "tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:20-21)

The scriptures are jammed packed with figures from history that have endured many trials. Hebrews 11 illustrates the lives of prophets, kings and everyday people who were mocked, put in chains, stoned, sawn in two, tortured and so on for the sake of the gospel; because they saw in their hearts the God that was yet unseen with the naked eye. They desired “…a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16) There is a tendency to look to these martyrs as our example to the point of forgetting Christ alone is the example of faith to follow. May it never be! Yet, such sacrifice made for the sake of Jesus is inspiring and looking at the suffering Job endured has been especially meaningful to me. His trial drew him closer to the Lord and much less dependent on the things of the world. How needful it’s been to find deeper peace of mind and spirit as the body I’ve known for many years is altered by drugs and incisions. Wisdom and true perspective on the point of life has certainly been the best by-product of suffering in the flesh.

The word of God says this: “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2) The point of life for all of us is to live in the will of God. Because of our pride He must tear us down to build up His life in us so He can work through us to reach others. Without doubt I’m a far cry from reaching the point of total submission to the Lord. There remains far too much that I try to control and pride is subtle. Admittedly I can’t do without the Holy Spirit operating through God’s Word and fellowship with His people to rein me in, tame my tongue and change my mind to be more like Christ. Oh, how I want to be more like Him – to press on toward the upward call of God. It is so much better than being tethered to a world that is most evidently passing away.

A friend of ours named Kyle Peart told me the other night “It’s good for you to die, but not good for those who don’t know Christ.” If I didn’t know the God of my salvation that statement might have offended me but I do know Him and understood exactly what Kyle meant – not that I should die but should in effect adopt the attitude Paul expressed: “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak.” 1 Corinthians 9:17-27 The best attitude is contentment in all circumstances and a heart of worship. This can be done because Jesus in the “heavenly country” is the focal point; the prize that awaits. He so wants to have vessels that are pliable and fit for His use to declare with tears at times, “my God is mighty to save.”    

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Hurry Up and Wait

Tick-tock goes the clock. Countless hours have been spent waiting for doctors in cold, stark exam rooms. What am I waiting for? If I’m more than fifteen minutes late they can give away my time to someone else, yet I have to twiddle my thumbs when I’m prompt and they’re running late. At last the whites of their eyes appear, and I’m given 10 minutes at most to converse and ask questions. Why wait? It comes down to need. Their knowledge, skill and expertise are needed to treat what ails me. Getting rid of cancer obviously necessitates much more than a band-aid. This disease is beyond one’s own ability to vanquish. So here we are; myself and many other patients – just waiting.

I wonder what the medical professionals think when those of us with cancer are on their treatment schedule? Once we’re finally called I guess I can’t blame them if they rush through the procedures without making eye contact or small talk. After all it can’t be easy seeing so many people with serious illnesses and yet a little TLC would make it seem more worth the wait. Since I will be scanned, tested and poked for years to come I need to learn what the Lord is doing in me through playing the waiting game. Here I am in a situation beyond my control, in a place I’d spent most of my life trying to avoid. What am I supposed gain from this? Among other things, the Lord wants me to comprehend His desire to increase my dependence on Him. I’ll bet my readers can relate to that. God’s Word is chock full of teachings on the benefits of patience.

Moses and the Hebrews were stuck between the Red Sea and the Egyptians who were in hot pursuit. ‘And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14)’ Stand still and let the Lord fight this battle. It’s no coincidence that when we step aside and allow the Lord to exercise His strong arm the outcome is so much better than we could have ever planned. Would I not want the Lord to do His best to overthrow the enemy threatening my life?

Being patient doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m more inclined to dive in and get it done. Reflecting back on attempts to hurry up and solve problems, I’ve admittedly noticed missteps along the way. Open loopholes, terrible misunderstandings and the need for damage control may be left in the wake of the take charge approach. The scriptures teach; “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4) Impetuous, hasty decisions may leave out steps that are critical and crucial to God’s best for me. When it comes to my health I don’t want to be lacking anything. Maybe a better way to look at the doctor’s delay with entering the room is they are still gathering all the information needed for a complete plan of care?! Maybe the waiting time is a good time to pray for wisdom, for my doctor, for the receptionist or whoever may cross my path. A simple verse – a simple reminder to conclude this topic: “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Pleasure in Infirmities

How strange - how foreign to our sensibilities to see the good about feeling so bad! It’s perfectly natural to strive for perfect health and well being. In fact it should be a top priority to live as healthy as possible. Therefore when we find ourselves shaken to the core by a crisis we don’t know how to handle it. Without my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I would have handled the cancer news very differently I’m sure. Perhaps I would have grabbed the bottle like many who’ve been close to me when tough times come along. Trying to work toward a life without grief or pain is certainly an exercise in futility, isn’t it? When things don’t work out as planned it’s easy to be immersed in self-pity over the injustice of it all, followed by vain attempts to escape reality with whatever is at hand. Don’t do it. There is a better way.

The apostle Paul was no stranger to trials and troubles. He wrote to the church at Corinth: “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-28, 12:10)

Wow. Was Paul some kind of super-Christian who never had a day of doubt? I suspect not. Only Jesus Christ was perfect in every way. What we do see is that Paul was totally surrendered to Christ and that enabled him to put himself aside and lay down his life (as Christ did) for others. Such a goal though not necessarily easy, is attainable. The truth be told, how little it helps our health and well being to dwell on personal pain and suffering. Admittedly in the darkest days when cancer was new to me and it seemed like I’d never see the end of chemo treatments, there were some shaky moments of faith. Certainly there was no pleasure with the side effects, yet in retrospect I can see benefits beyond measure. Here’s how.

The ultimate goal of the Christian is to pick up the cross and follow hard after Jesus. Picking up the cross means dying to self; self-indulgence, self-pity, and the need to feed self-esteem. Christ alone is worthy and it’s only by His will and grace that I am privileged to breathe at all. Cancer has been just one cross I’ve had to bear in my walk thus far, but undoubtedly the most challenging. I’ve been blessed to be in this situation beyond my control to learn greater dependence on the One who “created all things and in whom all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16-17)  Prayer to Jesus, the immortal, invincible God is the most powerful weapon in this battle against the invader to the body. Prayer provides the wisdom and peace to know what treatment is best and count on God for the rest. Great pleasure is found in boldly approaching the “throne of grace,that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) It isn’t fatalistic to realize the fragility of life when the body is assailed by chemical concoctions and crazy laser beams aimed to kill a physical enemy within. This life is but a vapor and the body is but dust, but the soul remains forever. With the soul reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus Christ, the peace that surpasses all understanding makes it easier to pick up the cross and go on. (Philippians 4:7)

I take pleasure in my infirmities when God uses them as a door for me to speak to others about Him. Cancer is analogous to sin; it must be cut out in order for the body to thrive and can amazingly function much better without it. Never would I say it was wrong for the Lord to allow me as one of His children to suffer cancer. All things including cancer work together for good to those who love God and have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) If even one person comes to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a result of this trial God gave me the patience to endure it's worth it. To anyone reading my written thoughts or hearing my spoken words I hope the truth and mercy of Jesus rings loud and clear. Because Jesus endured the cross of shame on my behalf it’s more than worth it to become a living sacrifice unto Him. (Romans 12:2, Hebrews 12:2)

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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My Stength and Song

Certain songs of praise to God have struck a chord deep within my heart me at just the right time during this bout with cancer. It’s truly amazing how the Lord has used these instruments of righteousness to keep my mind on Him and off my troubles. Right about the time I was diagnosed, I had decided to give up on talk radio during drive time and instead tuned in to the local Christian radio station. This choice was so opportune, much more edifying and much less frustrating.

My main source of strength needs to always be drawn from the Holy Spirit living in me, teaching me the meaning of God’s Word, and turning my mind back to Him. It is absolutely critical to have a sure foundation in God’s Word; a personal relationship with Him not dependent on the teaching of men. (1 John 2:27) These days in which we live are filled silly notions about God and false doctrines abound. Music, if not properly chosen can lead one astray from the true God expressed through the pages of Scripture. Yet, if these melodies meant to “hit home” reflect the truth about God, His endless care and steadfast presence I am safe from being compromised by worldly ways. (A few of these songs are posted as You Tube links on my blog.)

“Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns resonates with the angst of being in a trial and yet not losing hope in the Lord. “My strength is almost gone. How can I carry on?... But as the thunder rolls, I hear you whisper through the rain, ‘I’m with you.’ I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord; Maker of heaven and earth.” The writer here is referencing Psalm 121. Oh, how these reminders gave me the strength to carry on to doctor appointments, tests and scans. How sweet it was to hear our friend Sean Stone sing this song for us at our 15 year vow renewal this past June!



Gabe & Sean



Our friend Gabe Moreno blessed us when he played “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin at our vow renewal. This of course is the old hymn updated with a new refrain that reminds believers in Jesus Christ that our chains of sin are gone and we’ve been set free from the curse of death. “My God – My Savior has ransomed me and like flood, His mercy rains; unending love – amazing grace.” As Gabe sang that song, memories of being tempted to despair over the loss of my hair briefly flashed back into focus. Thankfully when I heard this song on the radio and at our church worship services, the Lord reminded me that because He died I can live. Though this body is held captive by the curse of original sin, a new body is promised to me that will never wear out all thanks to Jesus sacrificing all for me on that cross. “The Son of Man came to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) …”Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)

“Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)” by Casting Crowns is an excellent re-telling of the Gospel message. Again, there are counterfeits to Biblical Christianity but only the God of the Bible lived as a man, died a criminal’s death, and rose from the grave to bring salvation to all who would choose Him. Amazingly He both died for those that love Him and those that hate Him. The song, telling us “death could not hold Him – the grave could not keep Him,” reminds me of 1 Corinthians 15: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures… (verses 3-4)” New King James Version-1 Corinthians 15 Whether I live countless years on this planet or cancer claims me sooner than later, I can be at peace. Since death had no sting over Christ, it has no power over me either. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) Christians, let this mind not be true of you. 

After Moses and the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea he declared, “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him.” (Exodus 15:2) Words of praise have no power to control God and will not persuade Him to do anything against will; however lifting up His name in spirit and in the truth especially in dry, desert places pleases Him beyond measure. Remember this world is not our hope, nor is it our home.  We have a life that goes beyond the grave and exists outside of time, all because of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.  Oh what a glorious day it will be to stand before my King, face to face!  In the meantime I know I can truly praise Him in the storm because He is raised from the grave, alive forever more. May no trial we face ever cause us to forget that Jesus Christ is our eternal strength and our never-ending song.

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Eyes on the Prize

The common understanding of this idiom is to “keep your focus on achieving a positive end result.” Before expanding on that idea, here are some fun facts about the eye.

• Your eye will focus on about 50 things per second.
• Your eyes contribute towards 85% of your total knowledge.
• Under the right conditions, the human eye can see the light of a candle at a distance of 14 miles.

In the natural world we must focus our attention for example on driving down the road without crashing, so the ability to see many things all at once is useful. It must be obvious that the other 15% of our knowledge is accrued through our other senses. It’s interesting the eyes assume the majority of the work. How crucial is our sight! How important it is to be careful what we put before our eyes! I find the last fun fact listed above the most relevant in charging us to keep our “eyes on the prize.” Jesus Christ is the Light upon which we must fix our gaze.

The repeated exhortation from the Lord in His Word is to keep our focus on Him. Yes, we live and breathe in this world, but “our [true] citizenship is in Heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21) Wow! That’s a mouthful, but so right on. Though now we are confined to the constraints of time, space and matter, making us susceptible to pain, and bound to age and die, the Creator of the universe will one day transform us to be like Him: translated and transfigured to live forever with Him in Heaven. (Matthew 17:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:2)

What a glorious day that will be. Yet when in the midst of a painful, physical trial it’s admittedly challenging to see the light of Christ. What man and medicine do to make us better alters the way our bodies look and work. Instead of focusing on the one clear goal of Christ, we’re apt to get distracted by the 50 things around us: the medical bills, isolation (because chemo cause susceptibility to infection), and concerns about cancer changing our vocation. I want to comfort the reader to be comforted as I have been, to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) He is the only way to be sustained in times of want or in times of plenty.

When our spiritual eyes are fixed on the temporal we can easily become discouraged by wondering when the time of testing will be over. Focusing on the Creator, the One who spoke the world into existence and the same One who will one day call me home eases the burden and travail I experience. “Under the right conditions”, though the time I meet Him face to face may be still in the distance, I can see Him better than ever. The conditions I speak of are the trials themselves. Consider God’s servant Job. He endured much worse than I have ever known, but he never cursed God and continued the quest to find Him though hard pressed on every side. Job spoke directly to the Lord toward the end of his tumultuous battle saying, "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.” (Job 42:5) Awesome!

The purpose of this life is to grow in intimacy with the Lord. As we go deeper with Him we become more useful to others in pointing the way to Him. I’ll close with this great reminder. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3: 12-14) Let’s encourage one another to keep our eyes on the prize!

 

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Scratch and Dent

Likening life to a used car, the more miles we travel the more we can expect scratches and dents; outwardly and inwardly. As I’m travelling down this leg of the journey, I vainly attempt to disguise the years with with a little body work - cosmetics and hair color. Knees are definitely stiffer. If I turn wrong, the back will go into a spasm that leaves me temporarily stooped and crooked. Ahh, the “ravages of time” have set in. A few dents are just the results of getting older. Others are due to having lived life in the fast lane. In the last fourteen months I’ve acquired plenty of scars with cancer treatments. While “new rides” are shiny and eye catching, used cars like mine have the marks of endurance hinting at an interesting expedition.  

Trials really do test our metal, test the character and prove our road worthiness, so to speak. An unproven vehicle may not be able to withstand the first brush with danger,  but the one built to last can endure many hardships. As previously stated, any strength or endurance I’ve found to stay in this race is positioned in Christ alone; I cannot and will not claim any credit.  Consider then what God’s Word says about the need for a good foundation, built upon the rock of Christ Jesus. “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.” (Psalm 40:2) We are nothing without Jesus! Only He can form and conform us to successfully overcome danger and harm. The Apostle Paul who called himself the least of the apostles said this about trials: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

We see here the mention of the outward evidence of adversity, as well as the inward bruising and injury wrought by the desire to live godly in a fallen world. This type of scarring not so easily seen can cause those who’ve tried to build their lives in pursuit of worldly pleasures to eventually crash and burn. The life built on the truth of God’s Word however can persevere through sorrow and suffering knowing eternity with Christ awaits and nothing on earth can compare to the glory that will be revealed. (1 Peter 5:1) Oh yes, how much seemingly simpler life would be without the bumps in the road, without the rebuff, and rejection that comes with seeking to live a life pleasing to God. Yet this fire further refines us and produces a character that continues to love on others the way Jesus did (even) when His journey took Him all the way to Calvary’s cross where He said: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)    

Few get through this life without battle scars of some kind. Be encouraged that Jesus knows the reason behind this season in your life and will continue traversing the highway with you, upholding you each mile you are destined to go. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”(1 Peter 1:6,7) “Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me!”  (Psalm 66:8-10, 19-20)

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One Step At A Time

Way down the road, I can see where I’m going and it’s an amazing place with no crying, no more death, or sorrow. Night and darkness have vanished away. Even the sun and the moon have disappeared from existence. Nothing obstructs the view of the Lamb of God. Every mountain and hill have been laid low. A pure river of the water of life flows from His throne. (Isaiah 40:4, Revelation 21 & 22) I know where I’m going and that my friends is to be with Jesus forever in His glorious kingdom. Between now and then life is lived one day at a time, one step at a time. No mere cliché – tis true. For all of us our time here is but a vapor, a mist that appears for a little while and vanishes away like the darkness. (James 4:14) Without Jesus as Lord and King, life is truthfully empty, devoid of hope and meaning. Only He can satisfy the innate need to be forgiven and reconciled to the Creator of the universe. Only He can provide the peace that surpasses understanding. (Philippians 4:7) If you know Jesus in a real and intimate way, far beyond the bounds of religious ritual, I’ll see you there in that place of eternal bliss. Only Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law as He hung upon that cross. There’s nothing more we can do.

With Jesus by our side, paving the way ahead, it’s possible to not only endure trials that come our way, but to discover more love for Him than ever before. As sure as I know the distance from the earth to the sun, I know for sure I don’t really have a “strong constitution.” I don't always “think positively.” I am kept by the Savior of mankind and am positive about this because His Word says so. He is strong when I am weak. It has been so plainly seen this past year as I’ve relished being a member of the body of Christ. Think of me as a little toe in this trial with cancer – a weaker member uplifted by many strong arms belonging to my brothers and sisters in Christ. These dear ones lifted me up in prayer as I took one step at a time toward the Lord, facing Heaven despite the encumbrances of this earth.

I look way down the road and see Jesus. Soon I will meet Him face to face, perhaps in day or in a moment. That is up to Him. The point is, I am ready whenever He chooses to call me home. I have learned in dealing with cancer that it is an exercise in futility, a total waste of time, to allow the mind to drift into what might happen in the future.  God lives, breathes and moves in the present and provides fullness of joy despite a cancer diagnosis. If you know Jesus, the way down the road is easy because we can cast all our cares upon Him. Be encouraged to press on my friends to the upward call of God because He knows the way home – one step at a time. (Philippians 3:14)   

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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The Great Physician

"Doctors, nurses and all your supporting cast; oh how we need your expertise to make us better, but why do you forget sometimes that we are people too, not case studies, certainly not merely pin cushions?" One obvious downside to dealing with a major illness is the feeling of being held hostage by the healthcare system. How absolutley necessary it is to have the poking, prodding and injecting required to establish a correct diagnosis and get treatment. Yet we cry out, “Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!” (Psalm 40:13)

I absolutley believed the Lord could heal me from cancer at any time, but in the meantime asked Him for wisdom for the correct steps to take in getting well. Submitting to chemotherapy,  constant scans and x-rays are part of the package. While some in patient care were impatitent and not so caring, I wondered if perhaps they are heavy laden too and I should pray that the Savior will give them rest. (Matthew 11:28) Could my suffering be a divine appointment to act on their behalf as an intercessor to the Lord? In God’s universe nothing is left up to chance for those who love Him.

I look around. Those in white coats seemingly focus on my diagnosis, forgetting that I’m a person, gazing intently at their clipboards. Others waking me at 5:00 a.m. by shoving an x-ray plate under my surgically wrapped back. “Ouch!” Perhaps they too are in need of prayer. Likening my situation to Joseph, one of Jacob’s 12 sons being (falsely) imprisoned, brought needed perspective. (Genesis 39:20-chapter 40) Joseph didn’t let his bondage hinder him from speaking God’s truth to those around. Similarly God could use my bondage to chemotherapy to help set free those held captive by sin.

When my doctor told my husband and I the statistical probability of surviving Stage 4 cancer was around 10%, we of course felt discouraged. The heart sinks with the thought of this life and the plans we had being cut short, but the Lord quickly reminded us; He knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and that we don’t live by statistics, but by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) About midway through chemo treatments I was feeling frustrated with a key person on my healthcare team. I asked the Lord why He had given me this person to work with and He quickly answered – “So you, Cherrie, will put your trust in Me and not in man.” Ah yes. I know all my trust I freely give to Jesus, but that principle came home to roost once again at the height of my anxiety.

Jesus has many names: King, Messiah, Chief Cornerstone, Prince of Peace, Everlasting God. He is also the Healer as Matthew 4:24 points out: “And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick , and those that had the palsy; and [Jesus] healed them.” I know He created the universe in six days, just like He said. I know He raises the dead. He is the Great Physician to whom we should look and to whom we should pray in times like these. Friend, if you are struggling with a major illness right now, I do understand your battle. Let’s pray together to seek His wonderful face and accept His comforting embrace. He paid it all. Hallelujah!

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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An Ounce of Prevention

As part of the wrap up to my radiation treatments I was required to meet with my lively, professional and caring radiation oncologist. In our discussion I shared how the Lord had seen me through all of my treatment thus far. He pointed out we had done what we could to keep the cancer from coming back (through my tours into their Tomo machine - into what I liked to call the “cooker”). Reflecting on the decision to treat this way the doctor said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  My immediate excitement over his choice of words surprised him, but served to again reassure me the Lord indeed had been in this plan. This wasn't the first time I heard this old adage. 

My mind quickly to travelled back to the debate that occurred in early September over whether to take the risk of radiation so soon after surgery.  I had been vacillating about the prospect of getting “zapped.” Naturally after all the treatment I had already had experienced I wasn’t up for more. One day, on the way in to work, as I pondered whether to go forward with radiation, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” popped into my head. I concluded it was the Lord’s way of telling me to move forward and trust Him, but I had to laugh, thinking how strange the Lord would use a silly saying to make up my mind. Then again, “why not?” If the Lord used a donkey – yes a donkey to speak His will, He can use anything He wants.

The donkey belonged to a man named Balaam and as they travelled, the donkey had its eyes opened to see the Angel of the Lord withstanding Balaam and preventing him from going the wrong way. Likely accustomed to the donkey’s stubbornness and perhaps in his own arrogance, Balaam tried to insist the donkey go his way. After striking the donkey three times Balaam heard the Lord speak through the donkey. Balaam must have been in shock and awe. (Numbers 22:18-28) It’s amazing the things the Lord uses to get our attention, sometimes a donkey and sometimes an old adage. It shouldn’t be that surprising however. When considering for a moment how complex all the different pieces of creation are it's not amazing how ingenious the Creator of the universe can be!

To the reader I would appeal to the very real possibility that “an ounce of prevention” is needed in your life. If you are physically suffering in some way but reluctant to go get checked out, don’t hesitate; don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re battling a bigger problem like cancer. A risky lifestyle more often than not means paying the price physically in some way years down the road. A spiritual check-up may be what’s needed. The God of the Universe, the One Who created every living thing – the ground upon which they tread, the sky in which they fly, and the sea in which they swim has endless love for His creation. Do you know Him? Does He know you? Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14) Religion can’t save the sin-stained heart – only Jesus can. Speaking of our enemy Satan (the thief), Jesus also said; “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) If you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit wooing you to follow God and do His will, gladly take that “ounce of prevention” and reap the peace of knowing the Lord is with you, guiding and providing each step of the way.

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Hallelujah Jesus!

In good times and bad God is on the throne. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic over the Lords’ many triumphs to sustain life and make miracles in this broken world? It’s amazing the sun comes up every morning, the hummingbird draws nectar in midair and the human body weathers all the heart desires to try and destroy it. God is gracious in so many ways. He truly does not want any to perish….without having the chance to know Him. (2 Peter 3:9) In my case I can look back on life and reflect with certainty on the many times the Lord preserved my life despite the stupid, foolhardy choices I made. There’s no escape clause from suffering the consequences of those choices. In my case being a former smoker I can attest to paying the price for abusing my body. The Lord may allow one to be immediately healed from a serious illness, but it’s essential to remember He does it for His glory, for His purpose. This is a hard pill to swallow for sure, that we can’t somehow claim credit, but a much better way to look at God especially in bad times.

God is sovereign. “Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” (Psalm 100:3) The truth be told we try to make God into our image. We ask Him to prove Himself by meeting our demands, by treating Him like a genie, expecting Him to answer in the affirmative after we’ve prayed a certain way, practiced religion as expected or allocated money to what we think He cares about. The danger with making God in our image is when hard news hits we want to cut and run, maybe even curse God. Our true view of the Lord plays out in a crisis. Is that faith so well professed founded upon the rock of Christ Jesus or the opinions of well meaning men or women?

Jesus said, “whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25) To anyone facing a crisis, a watershed moment in life, I would say with complete empathy ‘delve deeper into your understanding of who God is.’ While asking God to show Himself strong in your life, beg Him to increase your faith; not for faith’s sake but for His glory so that others may see; “man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) The Lord will not withhold revelation and understanding of His character from anyone truly seeking to know Him. We can then jump for joy anytime in pounding rain or warm sunshine and shout “Hallelujah Jesus” because He never changes; He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Evan Wickham performs "Hallelujah Jesus"

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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The New Normal

No. What? You can’t be talking to me. I have other plans for life. I don’t have time for this. A mass – what does that mean? It can’t be cancer, but it is cancer! Now they’re talking about chemo treatments and follow up visits. Scans, blood tests, MRI’s – it’s all Greek to me. I’m trying to absorb all this new information while still in partial denial. My schedule is now filled with appointments and though my doctor said my “health comes first” I insisted on continuing to work through eight months of chemo treatments. Thank the Lord my co-workers and boss have been so understanding and flexible. I needed to maintain some sense of normalcy in a world turned upside down.

Not one person I know of takes it just fine when unwelcome news knocks at the front door. As a Christian I’d already experienced many times the Lord had carried me through, and He reminded me when the cancer news arrived, He would be there to bring me through again. A long but not lost friend asked me a couple of weeks after my surgery, what I had learned about God from having cancer. High on the list of learning experiences was the truth of this scripture passage coming to bear fruit in my life: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

This is the new normal. My body has changed as a result of treatment. There are scars front and back and my feet will never be the same as they were before chemo and neuropathy did damage. Thanks be to God that I can walk and my scars tell a story of survival, not according to my strength and purpose, but by God’s will to tell of His glory now more than ever. This is the new normal, allowing my body to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him. (Romans 12:1-2)   The apostle Paul laid it all down for the sake of the Gospel; to be an acceptable witness for Christ. Under inspiration of the Holy Spirit he writes: “Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:25-28) We see above all his concern was for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Maybe this new normal is my chance to be more real than I ever thought possible as an ambassador for Christ. Though my outward body is perishing I have the hope of glory, the hope of meeting Jesus Christ face to face one day, at a time of His choosing. Though my schedule is often dictated by doctors, I have the assurance of timelessness being in Heaven with Christ and all believers past. Finally as a believer in Jesus, I have the promise of receiving a new body. “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."  (1 Corinthians 15:51-54) Let the new normal continue to unfold all the way into eternity.

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The Light to My Feet

A couple of days ago day my husband leaped out of bed when he heard thud, thud, thud, “ouch!” He found me in a contorted position on the stairs holding my right foot, but in fact I was kicking myself for not watching where I was going. At 5:00 a.m., when it’s still pitch black outside, I will be sure to turn the lights on after getting out of bed; before going downstairs to make my morning tea. Through all the months of chemo treatments, surgery and now radiation I have taken very good care of myself, even going so far as to watch my church webcasts at home on Sundays rather than risk picking up some airborne bug sitting amongst the flock. But that dark morning, going down the stairs was a little different story. Fortunately, my bruised big toe turned out to be sprained rather than broken; praise the Lord. It’s when we’re not paying attention, when we’re walking in the dark, that we hurt ourselves.

Later that day, I began thinking of the spiritual analogies that might be drawn from this accident. The world is full of pitfalls and snares that can trip us up, causing us to fall. Wolves in sheep’s clothing promise the world and deliver nothing - crooking the finger and drawing the undiscerning off the path to more emptiness than every known before. Tragic stories like these have been retold over and over again laying the all blame on the wolf, forgetting one thing that’s true for every human – myself included; "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) The Lord alone completely knows and is equipped to rightly judge our hearts. I have observed however, that we as people have a tendency to throw caution to the wind, gravitating toward the pleasures of the world rather than embracing what is right and true.

There’s a tendency of course to make truth subjective now more than ever, but there simply cannot be more than one way to God. Jesus Christ alone made the way for us to reach God the Father. The Bible teaches He gave His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) The Christian life isn’t about religion filled with guilt, duty and ritual; it’s a relationship with the Living God who loved us so much He laid down His life for us. It is the path He paved I seek to find and follow. He is the Light of the World. He says that those who follow Him “shall not walk in darkness but have the Light of Life.” (John 8:12) Though I will not ever be perfect in this life, with His light on me and in me, I should not stumble or spiritually fall. As I keep my eyes on Him, He keeps me as the apple of His eye and hides me under the shadow of His wings. (Psalm 17:8)

My friends, in dark moments, let us keep the Light of Christ on by keeping in step with Jesus, looking to Him and abiding in His Word no matter what trial we face. Let us comfort each other along the way, agreeing with the psalmist who writes: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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