Throughout this journey I have learned many things, and one of the most important is that comfort and hope are to be found in the here and now, in this very moment; that trying to see into the future can rob me of blessings that are right in front of me. And I believe that this important lesson has been learned. Nevertheless, here I am.....forging ahead mentally to that time in the not so distant future that my life will not revolve around my treatment schedule.
My friend Oswald Chambers brings me back to earth this morning by reminding me that "We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing-that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God's assurance behind us, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life."-Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest- Updated Edition).
Keep me grounded, Lord, in the commonplace things to be found in the here and now. I leave my future to You with confidence and gratitude for what You are doing and have done already. I will do as Paul encourages me to do; "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."-Romans 12:12 (NIV).
On the health front:
I'm awaiting the results of my latest blood test to see if this old body is capable of continuing to defend itself against the assault of chemotherapy. It shouldn't be all that difficult, should it, to develop some kind of chemo that can take out only the bad guys and leave the good guys alone?
Hi Barb. Thank you for reminding me of my gracefulness for the here and now. Grateful that each day I wake up without the defeating effects of my on-going "illness". When God is graceful enough to allow days of reprieve from chronic illness more often than not, sometimes I take it for granted. I begin to live for the future instead of living in the glory of what God is doing in the here and now. We miss out on so much when that idea gets lost in our independent being. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for your thoughts on a daily basis which I love to ponder. In my prayers. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mystery Friend,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this touched you. I need the constant "here and now" reminder and it helps to know that I am not alone!
I am claiming Romans 8:26, 27 when I pray for you. I don't know your specific challenges but God The Holy Spirit does and will take my prayers heavenward in a much better way than if I were doing it under my own steam.
Thank you, thank you, for your constant encouragement.
Barb