A repeated theme in the need to stay strong in the fight with
cancer is to look for the blessings that come from raindrops; tears we shed
over our earthly course being changed without invitation. A lyric from a current song playing on the
radio by Laura Story simply called "Blessings”
asks “what if the trials of this life are God’s mercies in disguise?” Truly, is there a better way to look at a
condition we can’t, in our strength, control or eradicate? We didn’t ask for cancer to come knocking but
here it is; a house guest we just can’t seem to get to get rid of. Falling into
depression is a natural response to loss, but camping there is of no possible
good. Men, women, and medicine can offer synthetic temporary relief from the
grief that pours in, but keep in mind pills and postures can’t match pondering
the promise of eternal life offered in Jesus Christ.
Once we’ve dried our eyes again, let’s ask Jesus to show us
how He wants to use us to serve Him, to serve others. The picture of Moses
fleeing Egypt after he killed a man for persecuting a Hebrew slave comes to
mind. He finds himself in the desert near the tents of Jethro the
Midianite. (Exodus 2) Moses
had been raised in the lap of luxury, a prince in Pharaoh’s court. After
wandering the dry and thirsty desert he begins learning how to tend sheep, notably
one of the dumbest creatures on earth. God certainly didn’t predestine Moses to
commit murder however He most definitely used the results of the sin to prepare
the way for Israel to be delivered from slavery through this man. We don’t read
that Moses sought to go back to Egypt before the appointed time. He spent 40
years tending the sheep before the Lord spoke to Him through the burning bush.
Here’s an example of God’s mercy in disguise and God using circumstances to
accomplish His will.
Last week, after much forethought
and consideration I formally submitted my resignation from my job so I can go
on Long Term Disability. It took time for me to wrap my mind around the need to
stop work much earlier in my life than planned. The stresses of trying to schedule
so many medical appointments around work, along with the duties of my job have
gotten to be too much. So here we are, looking at 90 days waiting to get paid
at 60% of my current income and trusting the Lord to show Himself strong in our
lives. We’ve seen Him provide through so many people and in so many ways. He’ll
do it again. What’s more important? The single greatest “mercy” of getting
cancer has been the multiple opportunities to speak to others about Jesus. Though
some, to my sorrow, don’t want to hear, that is not the point. Speak anyway and
let the Lord take care of the results.
I choose to look at this next leg
in the journey simply as another venue for ministry. What will the Lord do to
use my situation as a blessing to others? Cancer is news that brings the life and
death dilemma to the forefront. It forces one to consider not only if they want to live, but how they want to live. The key to peace
in this life is to be completely sold out for Jesus. The world pulls hard,
trying to get us to hang onto various things that have no place in God’s tent. We
may try to hide these idols under a bushel hoping no one will see (Genesis
31:29-39) , but God sees.
From the lips of someone who knows
full well today may be the day of reckoning one’s life, let me be vessel of
your mercy in disguise as you consider the need to be fully sold out for the
Lord Jesus Christ and to allow whatever trouble you’ve been in to be used for His
glory. After all, God is plenty powerful
to turn trials into mercies.
For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/
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