“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)
A very special friend of mine received confirmation that she has a very aggressive form of breast cancer, one that requires immediate treatment. Her doctor set up appointments with the surgeon and oncologist and informed her and her husband that she will require surgery, chemo and radiation. This sudden news caught me completely off guard, and immediately I called on the One who is able to conquer all, because when everything around us seems like it is crumbling, we are able to see God like never before. I am reminded of how we face a lot of unexpected storms and unpredictable circumstances in our lives; things may be going well and WHAM, a storm comes rolling in! There are many storms that we have to face in life that can leave us scared, devastated, and lonely. Many of them can leave us feeling totally helpless and abandoned, but I know that every experience that God exposes us to is meant to make us stronger. He is our “umbrella” of hope, waiting to offer shelter and protection through even the stormiest of situations.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 NLT)
There are many of us who are going through some kind of a battle in which we just can’t see the end in sight; we live in a world in which there are so many unexpected pains and challenges that it can be overwhelming. We can either rise to the challenges we face or we can let them push us down. Are we asking God where He is in all of this? I am sure His reply would be that even in the most turbulent conditions we encounter, we must keep our minds on His Word and His promises because He is the light in the midst of the storm. What is our response? If we think for a moment that God doesn’t have our situation under control, then we need to think again! We will not be defeated because we are a conqueror through Christ and He is not about to let us fail.
“The way a rainbow springs out of the sky on a rainy day-that’s what it was like, it turned out to be the Glory of God! (Ezekiel 1:28 MSG)
When the darkness of a storm surrounds us, is it possible to not be anxious about anything? There is nothing too difficult for our God, and every trial and situation we endure is allowed by Him for a purpose. And the truth is that the strength to cope with every painful burden is with us in Christ! God reveals His power to us through all of our painful situations and struggles, and we have to remember that no matter how terrible the storm there’s a rainbow waiting to manifest itself! “For every storm there is a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.” (Irish Proverb)
Dear Lord, I pray that you make your promise and your hope real to my loving friend who is struggling in a painful circumstance, and that You will help her to know that You are with her no matter how weary she becomes. Strengthen her in Your will, and give her peace to hold onto Your truth. Amen
Linking up with Tracy at My Daily Walk in His Grace
It's amazing today I come to your blog and see about the rainbow which was God's promise that He would not flood the earth again, and yesterday I was sitting at my table preparing for my bible lessons this week and do you know what the first lesson is on? Noah and the flood. I tell you sis when the body is intune with GOD nothing can stop us. It's a confirmation from God. Thank you for your obedience to His voice.
ReplyDeleteIncredible faith strengthening post! God has been speaking Psalm 91:1 to me frequently lately. I'd say after reading your post, He's shouting it at me! ;)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Cherie
Hi Denise - its hard to see the tough stuff we go through as faith building blocks but when you do start to see the rainbow through the clouds, its awesome. When you see how God turns the storms into such beauty, one can only be humbled and in awe. Great post. I used that first scripture in my post for tomorrow, great confirmation for me :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
What words of encouragement you have given out today...We all go through storms and we all need the Savior's hand to hold in times when it looks like we are going to drown...Thank goodness for a God who controls everything that touches us and He also promises that He will never leave us or forsake us...He is one person in this life that will never let us down....
ReplyDeleteThanks friend...you have put the Word out for all to hear today....
Hi Denise
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to watch people we love go thru these things. But, as you said, there is nothing to difficult for our GOD!
Blessings...Chelle
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I am so sorry to read this news about your friend. I've had so many friends diagnosed with breast cancer. It just seems that the numbers continue to rise with this awful disease. I know that you will be a comfort and a good friend to her as she goes through this challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love the promises of God. I've had to type up Scripture verses and print them out and laminate them. I keep them handy to remind myself that our God is sovereign and that He never leaves us. I couldn't have gone through so many trials without Him. He is my strength.
Beautiful post today.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I recently lost a good friend to cancer. She was informed that it was aggressive, inoperative and they gave her two months to live. Chemo and radiation would probably not help and would leave her sick and with side effects. She decided to manage the pain and take a trip to visit all her loved ones in California; they enjoyed a ten days of fun and games together. Returning home, she had other family visitors until her final end. Not all choose this way, but it was her decision.
ReplyDeleteHi Denise,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of your friends cancer. I lift her up to the Lord in prayer. Yes, we must rest under the shadow of His wing when we are going through a trial because He will lead us through it.
Blessings,
Ken
I am praying for your dear friend Denise. I know God has blessed her with a wonderful friend in you..You have already went to the throne of God for her with your prayers, Everything is in God's hands.
ReplyDelete~Blessings & hugs~
& a warm thank you for being such a good friend,
Lisa
Hi Denise, Thank you so much for visiting over at CMB. I am glad to have found your blog. I love your prayer that the Lord would make His promises and hope real in your friend's life. What a wonderful prayer for each of us. I am praying for your friend. Blessings! Deb
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful that we do not just serve a God of sunshine but one who walks through the storms of life with us. I pray that God's glory would be revealed in your friend's situation. Blessings Denise.
ReplyDelete