I woke up this morning being drawn again to John Piper's small book Don't Waste Your Cancer. Chapter 4 focuses on our natural bent as humans to be driven to odds, statistics. A time or two I have found myself instinctively tempted to Google the odds of survival for Cholangiocarcinoma but just as quickly chuckled and realized that as a Christian I know that the number of my days has already been written (Psalm 139:16) regardless of what Wikipedia might tell me.
My (our) cancer is not a curse but rather it is a way that God has chosen for me to lessen my natural tendency to rely on myself and to increase my dependency on Him, and for that I am so grateful.
The apostle, Paul, writes in his letter to the Corinthians, "Indeed we felt that the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God Who raises the dead". (2 Corinthians:1:9-NEV)
On the health front, I am experiencing the usual "first day after chemo" flushed face but no temperature so no worries :)
Thank you, Lord, for life, and thank you, family and friends, for your faithful prayers.
Deb & I send our love and continued prayer for your recovery and for your ongoing example of Godliness. This morning, your blog has not only shared your strength in the Lord, but witnessed to me directly regarding the challenge of my own dependence on Him rather than to trust myself, others around me, worldly resources or the like. Thank you so much for your faithfulness in Him, shared with us. Joe
ReplyDeleteJoe...your comment brought tears, in the very best of ways. I am touched by your words and encouraged by your and Deb's constant prayers on our behalf, expressed in so many ways.
DeleteWith many thanks,
B.
Today's Bible Verse:
ReplyDelete1 Peter 2:19–21
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Today's Inspiring Thought: Called to Suffer
Suffering is part of the human experience. No one likes it. No one welcomes it. But all of us must endure it at one time or another. This verse, in fact, explains that we are called as Christians to suffer, just as Christ suffered for us. And, though I hate to admit it, good often comes from suffering. In truth, sorrow and suffering are often the instruments that first carry us to the saving knowledge of God.
"It's in those excruciating, dark, and raw moments that we feel God ... maybe for the first time in our lives." --Donna VanLiere, Finding Grace
This is one of my most recent daily bible verses. The messeage seems to align with your blog!!! Glory and Praise to the Lord Almighty.
Love, Jon
So beautiful, and so appropriate. Much to ponder today.
DeleteThank you, Jon.