"Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of."-Charles Spurgeon.
Spurgeon was a British theologian who lived and taught in the 1800s. He was known as The Prince of Preachers, and for good reason. Although he was firmly rooted in his denomination, his appeal was to all people and even today he is widely quoted and respected.
I needed to read the above quote this morning. We were thrown a curve at our doctor visit yesterday and I am finding myself reacting in a less than stellar way. I was looking forward to doing some things that I had planned and my plans were changed. Imagine that!
In past blogs I have expressed gratitude for my closeness to God and for the things He is teaching me and here I sit, irritated in the most childish of ways. Spurgeon, as God's representative this morning, will nudge me back on track.
"'Stand still'. Keep the posture of an upright man [woman], ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, 'Go forward.'"
"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."
"The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction."
"You might not always get what you want but you always get what you expect."
"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
Thanks, Charles. I needed those words today!
On the health front:
We got an unexpected surprise from Dr. Polowy yesterday. My white blood cells have tanked, probably due to the cumulative effects of Phase 2 treatment combined with the Gemzar treatment last week. No chemo treatment was allowed due to the unacceptable numbers.
I received a booster shot to stimulate white blood cell production instead and will get my chemo infusion today, followed by additional boosters next week if the white blood cell count doesn't improve.
I'm back in captivity. Limited interaction, no crowds, no fresh fruits and veggies (possible bacteria), hand washing often.
Please pray for an increase in those white blood cells. They could use a little encouragement 😊
Wonderful encouragement indeed from Spurgeon. You are doing well in allowing yourself to be "nudged back from childish ways." God bless you and keep you with his intense comfort during this time. Praying the WBC fighters propagate quickly and strongly.
ReplyDeleteAgain I thank you for your comments and encouragement, Anonymous. I'd love to know who you are so I could thank you more personally.
DeleteNo need to know who I am. Your daily encouraging words regarding your struggles and your real dependence upon God shared through your struggles is how you thank me. Just know that we have a common circle of friends although you and I have probably only crossed paths once or twice in our lives. :) You are daily on my mind and in my prayers. Thank you for encouraging me as you do.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank YOU, mystery friend, for your encouragement.
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