Mercies in Disguise

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. 

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