“…now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be PROVED genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9, NIV).
It’s early in the morning. I’m walking my dog around the block. Just Daisy, the LORD, and me today. Jeff stayed home to rest. I begin telling my Father fresh fears about my husband. He has a painful throat with white areas. He thinks it could be throat cancer. He is right about these things more often than I would like to admit. My fears begin to swirl. I capture these thoughts and replace them with the truth.
A few years ago, I participated in a powerful Bible study created by one of my favorite teachers, Vaneetha Risner. She gave me a powerful tool to wield in the spiritual battles of life. Even if Jeff does have horrible throat cancer to face, I can remember that we will have God’s:
Presence: He never makes us walk through painful places alone. In our suffering, we know Him more deeply. Like Paul, we can say, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings…”(Philippians 3:10).
Purpose: Our loving God wastes nothing. If the worst comes to pass, we can be sure He has a reason. Romans 8:28 and 29 remind me that God is using all things for our good. He is taking our suffering and using it to make us more like Jesus.
Promise of Heaven: This part catches my breath. I feel joy filling my heart. Heaven is coming!
I begin to think of each person I love and their struggles.
Mom will be whole and healed, and beautiful.
Each of my children will be whole and healed, and beautiful.
Jeff will be whole and healed, and beautiful.
When this little while has ended,
God, who loves us, will PROVE that
He is a promise keeper.
The eternal glory will far outweigh
These things that we carry for
the moment.
What are you tempted to fear today? Try holding up these three promises of God: His presence, His purposes, and His promise of Heaven.
I pray it will help you shift from fear to peace.
May the Lord bring healing to your husband and peace to your worries. Blessings to you both!
To answer your question—I’m going to say “purposes.” Sometimes I wonder if I can be doing more. Since I’m currently not working or taking care of babies, or parents, I can feel purposeless. I am serving the Lord and my husband. I know that is important. I’m just praying about whether or not I should be doing something I’m not. Im asking God to give me direction But enough about me. I love your post! It’s so filled with faith.
And I pray for your husband: Jesus touch this man. Don’t let him have cancer. If he does, even now begin the process of healing. Nothing is too hard for you. In Jesus name I’m asking… amen. Thank you for your encouragement. ❤️ G
Gina, I love your heart. Checking with God to see if He has new purpose for our lives is so good. May He lead you clearly. And thanks so much for your prayers!
I pray the Lord brings healing and His peace that surpasses all understanding guards your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:7) What a beautiful picture of the two of you by the ocean!
Loved the reminder, ” He never makes us walk through painful places alone.”