Funny thing, this business of answered prayer. It seems so plain when reading verses like Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." And John 14:13,14 promises, "I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask anything in My name and I will do it." OK...I'll take "cancer-free", please, preferably immediately. Should I be upset when my lab reports show that God must not have been listening since my numbers still don't look good? Or when I don't get a call from the doctor's office telling me there is no trace of cancer on my latest scan? On the surface, instant remission might sound good, but is it truly the best plan for me? Would I be leaning on God like I am now if my cancer would mysteriously disappear? I think not. The greatest truth I have learned about prayer is that it's not about my changing God's mind, but rather His changing mine.
Jody and I were talking recently about how prayers are often answered in completely unexpected ways. For many years I have prayed that I could be bolder in sharing my faith. There's a small part of me that is pretty impressed by the person who can strike up a conversation in line at the grocery store and by the time the stranger's groceries have been bagged, he or she has been hit with The Four Spiritual Laws. I can't do that. That's not my gift. But through this cancer journey God has given me the desire to share my faith through seeing Him in every step. Answered prayer....YES!
I smile inwardly each time I see another of my prayers answered in a totally unexpected way.
Funny thing, this business of answered prayer!
"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."-Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
PS. Health report...really quite amazing. Aside from the now usual lack of energy, I have had almost no side effects from this last round of chemo so far, and for that I am truly grateful. Answered prayer? Of course!
I know the prayer--"Lord use me for the furtherance of Your Kingdom" and it seems to fall on deaf ears, however I know He has answered that prayer but wants me to be dependant on Him for spreading the Good News. Keep up sharing your faith with us. They truly are an answer to your prayers for boldness in sharing your faith. Love you and pray for you daily.
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Thank you so much for your encouragement and your faith, Marge. Your comment will speak to everyone who sees it here as well as to me.
DeleteLove you.
Barbara, Gene & I just discovered your blog through Ginger's e-mail post. I sat down last night and read all your blogs from the beginning. I had Gene read the 1st one this morning and he ended up doing the same! You are such a blessing in sharing the difficult time that you are going through and how God is working daily in your lives. Thank you so much! We want you to know that we will be praying for you and Chuck as you go through this. Love and miss all our Redeemer friends! Gene & Sharon Gravelle in Missouri
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from you, Sharon! Your words will encourage me each time I read them. I'm so grateful to Ginger and her commitment to keeping us all in contact with each other even though we are spread all over the country. Thank you so much for your comment.
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