“Opportunities are often lost when we let fear overrule our faith.”
~Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: Deuteronomy 1:26-36
Today’s Quote on Fear:
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Tag Archives: chronic illness
HOPE
There’s Hope in the Blood
I started writing this piece while one of my relatives was in the hospital fighting for her life. For years, I’ve watched her as she dealt with an autoimmune disease that makes her body turn against itself.
Through it all, she managed to keep fighting, stay positive, and be a rock for her family.
However, this latest ordeal, shook her faith and challenged the rest of us to stand in the gap for her, encouraging her and reminding her of God’s faithfulness.
Fear and doubt tried to penetrate our circle when we were asked to pray, specifically for BLOOD. Because this was the only HOPE for her condition. Even though she admitted her fear and uncertainty, she trusted God to give her medical team the wisdom they needed to help her.
I’m certain that watching BLOOD slowly drip into her veins was not how she imagined the start of her summer. But she has learned to rely on God when her world turns upside down. And in spite of her anxious thoughts, she relied on her faith to get her through the first harrowing moments.
That BLOOD sustained her life, bringing energy and strength back to her body; enabling her to hold on to another day with her family; giving her HOPE that this precious, hard to find BLOOD will be the answer to our prayers.
The situation remained critical for several days, and prayer continued around the clock. Finally, we received the news that the transfusions stabilized her condition and kept her levels steady.
Each day, as I continue to think about her situation, I realize that I rarely concern myself with the blood flowing through my own body. It is easy to believe I will always have all the blood I’ll ever need and to overlook the marvelous way God created me.
Yes, this is a difficult period, but going through this ordeal with my family makes me pause and reflect on the blood of Christ.
His death – cruel, messy, violent. BLOOD everywhere.
Not a pretty scene. Not a calm setting.
Horror. Brutality. Suffering.
But that’s not the end.
Glory! Resurrection! Power! Dominion!
Salvation and redemption didn’t happen the way the people thought it would unfold. God had a better plan.
So, I sit here, today, thinking about BLOOD – our life force, I’m thanking God for donors. For the people giving their life’s essence, not knowing if or when their gift will save a life.
Someone out there is responsible for giving my family HOPE, their BLOOD saving a life.
Just thinking about it makes me praise God because the BLOOD of Jesus covers all of us.
God doesn’t want one person to perish – not even one (II Peter 3:9). And, the BLOOD of Jesus gives us the solution (Ephesians 1:6-8; I John 1:7).
Christ is the reason I can approach God’s throne when I need mercy, grace, strength, and HOPE. The reason I can cast my cares on the Lord when I feel pressured at every turn. And the reason I feel peace in this dark valley.
He is in control, and will provide the energy for me and my family to continue to stand in the gap; the fortitude to press on; the courage to endure; the ability to cling to Him when we feel the pressures on every side; and the strength we need to support our cherished loved one.
I don’t know what your situation is today or what struggles you face. But I do know that God is able to see you through and strengthen your faith in the process.
Scripture for Today
“I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (II Corinthians 12:9)
HOPE
A RENEWED HOPE
“How are you today?” she asks. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. I’m good.” I reply.
“Do you think you’d be up to lunch on Wednesday?”
“Oh, I’d love to, but I have a procedure that day. I’m sorry.”
Didn’t we already pray for your healing?” She frowns as she speaks.
I nod.
“Then, I don’t get it. Do I need to pray for you again?” She glares at me. “You have the faith, don’t you?” Continue reading
Poetry by Leslie…
The Doctor Will See You Now
Old and New Patients make this your mission
To take everything to the Great Physician
No matter the needs
JESUS has all life remedies…
Hope
A Promise of Hope
Last year, I focused on the word GRACE, and I felt like every moment I made a new discovery. Some moments proved encouraging and others challenging.
Regardless of the lessons I learned, I continually felt reassured and inspired. The process kept me motivated and excited to discover how God would reveal His grace to me each month.
This is year, I will continue to blog about a word that I feel God is leading me to explore. The word that keeps coming to my mind is HOPE.
I think the reason for this choice is simple because I find myself praying for hope.
Even if it sounds sad, it’s true. I need hope just to be able to hope.
In my mind, I know that God controls everything and that my life works according to His plan. But, allowing that reality to penetrate my heart is a battle. Pain stands guard, blocking the way.
What happened? Continue reading
Grace
Grace: Accepting Jesus’ Invitation to Rest
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NKJV)
For many of us, the holiday season comes with heightened levels of activity. We incorporate recitals, dinners, guests, shopping, and special meals into our hectic days. It’s a nonstop endeavor to handle several things at once.
Is there a way to balance our obligations? To make taking care of our bodies a priority? To stop grabbing sleep or meals whenever we can find the time?
How can we accept the Lord’s invitation? To seek Him during the hectic days ahead?
I constantly struggle in this area.
I use to-do lists and goals (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.) to structure my life. At one time, my doctor labeled me “Type A Personality,” and I remember thinking, “And the problem is what?”
That was years ago, but recently, I thought about the doctor’s warning me about the hazards of planning each second of my day; of trying to maintain a tight schedule; and of the undue stress I put on myself.
Those were the days I relied on a pill sorter to keep track of daily medication doses; and electronic impulses to force my muscles to relax; and breathing techniques or other relaxation methods to keep my body from locking up.
I’m sure I resembled a little hamster on her wheel – running faster and faster in a circle without making progress. I couldn’t think of ways to change my life; to alter my routine; to relax amid so many obligations and demands.
I knew I couldn’t continue the frenetic pace, and my doctor confirmed what I already knew. “You need sleep. Stop internalizing your stress.” She added, “Keep a daily journal. Record pain levels, food intake, stress, and rest.”
I agreed to do it because I hoped to recognize a pattern and find a remedy.
I meditated on Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
I took an honest look at my life. I finally linked my thoughts to the way I took care of myself. I had to accept the necessity of taking time for myself and to genuinely view my body as God’s dwelling place (Romans 12:1).
It may seem odd, but I prayed for help – help to take time for myself, help to rest, help to free myself from the burden of guilt whenever I took the time I needed. I especially prayed for the ability to be gracious to myself.
During those days, many “things” occupied my time, and I was scared to eliminate anything or take a break. I’d be out of the loop. What if I missed something or if someone needed me? How could I just stop everything and disappoint them?
My panic led me to Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
“Lord, help me rest,” I prayed.
Yes, He gave me rest, but it was not in the way I imagined. I developed a painful nerve issue with my feet. I couldn’t put my full weight on them. I needed assistance to walk. At the same time, my back muscles kept me immobile.
Norman carried me up or down the stairs. When he was at work, I remained upstairs, away from the center of activity. If I wasn’t down there, I wouldn’t know what was going on. I missed the dishes in the sink; the books, socks, or jackets out of place in the den; the junk mail on the table; the towels piled in the laundry room.
I spent weeks in the bed, flat on my back with my feet propped up, but I didn’t relax. I worried.
That’s when I sensed Spirit of God, gently encouraging me, to let go. To put my trust in God. To relax and rest.
Maybe you’ve never been a workaholic, a planner, a micro-manager, a down to the dot organizer, and you can’t relate to my struggle. So, I’ll be honest with you. Letting go hurt.
I experienced anxiety, fear, and anger. I sank into despair until I finally exhausted myself and surrendered. I let go and allowed God to heal me through R-E-S-T.
For the first time, I had plenty of quiet moments for reflection; periods of uninterrupted prayer; hours to read, study, and meditate on the Word; and countless opportunities for praise and worship.
I spent time dwelling on God and felt my emotional afflictions loosening their grip. The word of God silenced the tormenting thoughts and fears, and His peace flooded my soul (Philippians 4:6-7). I fought daily. Each morning I asked God to help me rest and to help me listen to my body. He remained faithful.
If I had to turn off the television at 7:30 each night to guarantee a good night’s sleep, I did it. If I had to turn off the ringer on the phone off to take a nap, I did it. If we had to have take-out three nights a week, I allowed it.
I relearned the art of listening to my body’s signals – knowing when to rest, when to sleep, when to eat.
That was many years ago, however, I still fight to maintain balance in my life, especially where my health is concerned. Even though I know that a lot of my stress comes from my need to control things, I must constantly remind myself to let God have the complete reign in my life. And the beautiful thing about allowing Him to be Lord over every area is the feeling of freedom, the sense of contentment and renewed energy that I experience.
I wonder, have you ever been like me? Are there areas in your life that you can’t seem to give to God? Things you find yourself stressing over? Could those feelings of stress, of being overwhelmed, actually stem from refusing to let God have His way in your life?
Sometimes, our times of stress and struggle can be compared to a toddler who’s seeking independence. There may be tantrums and tears, pushing and pulling. Then resignation, defeat, or exhaustion take over. And finally, peace when the parent steps in. The parent’s control ultimately leads to a return to happiness, joy, tranquility as the child forgets the power struggle.
As parents, we know what’s best for our children, even when they doubt our decisions. So, we must ask ourselves if we believe God is much wiser than us (Isaiah 55:8-9). Can we learn to humble ourselves, trust Him, and have the child-like faith that Jesus talked about (Matthew 18:1-3, Mark 10:13-16)?
Is it time to stop the struggle? To get off the fast-track? To slow down and enjoy life?
God wants us to be whole in every area and to live abundant lives (John 10:10). When every second is crammed with activity, our minds become cluttered; our judgment skewed; our health compromised; our emotions volatile. We feel pulled in every direction, overwhelmed by our obligations, and frustrated with the lack of time.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to come to Him when we’re tired and weary. He offers rest for our souls.
Will you allow the Lord to restore you? To refresh you? Will you trade your burden for His peace? And will you seek Him to “bring you good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:1-14) every day of your life?
Grace
Yielding for Grace
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-36 )
As I continue focusing on “GRACE”, I recognize this endeavor as both a challenge and a gift. Even though I want to think it’s getting easier for me to see God’s grace at work in my life, I’ve actually started to notice the times I need to extend grace to others and to keep an open heart for grace to take a deeper root in my own life.
I really desire to have a character that reflects God’s love and mercy, and as I pray to be the woman that God wants me to be, I’m realizing I have a lot of “self” to surrender.
I’m also learning that my chronic illness will not get me out of the lessons that God is teaching me. And, I know that I shouldn’t be shocked at this realization.
My latest lesson occurred on a day when I was coming out of a flare that had left me with extreme fatigue and pain in most of the joints in my body.
My husband volunteered to drive me to an appointment, but at the last minute another family member also asked him for a ride. This person’s destination was in the exact opposite direction of the location I needed to go.
Immediately I felt frustrated.
My husband, ever the diplomat, told me that he could take both of us. He gave me the choice to either ride with him or wait for him to come back and get me. He’s been this way since we met thirty-two years ago, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when he found a way to accommodate both of us.
I blamed the building anger, discouragement, and anxiety on my health, especially my negative attitude and thoughts – “I should be first! My needs met before anybody else’s!”
As I think about that situation, I see how much I resembled my children when they were little and in the midst of temper tantrums.
I’m thankful that I didn’t voice my selfish thoughts and that I listened to the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit – “Humility. Grace. Compassion. Where are they?”
Passages of scripture threaded their way through my mind and caused me to back down and repent, seeking the very mercy from God that I was having trouble extending to our family member (Matthew 5:42; Luke 10:30-37; Galatians 5:13-14; Galatians 6:9-10; I Timothy 6:18-19).
I told my husband, “Go ahead and take them. I’ll wait until you get back.”
“Thank you for understanding,” he said.
When he left, I thanked God for my husband and for his kind heart. He has always been a generous man and never complains when he’s called upon to help family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. He gives like today’s passage describes – generously and without thought of receiving anything back.
I sat down with a cup of tea and my Bible and asked God to speak to my heart and help me.
I’m ashamed that I believed my health should come first; that just because I was having a hard day I needed special consideration; that my husband should ignore the request for help and cater to me.
That is NOT what Jesus modeled or taught.
As I considered my actions and thoughts, I surrendered my desire to be first to the Lord and asked for the strength and courage to face each day as it unfolded, without demanding that my concerns take priority first.
And then, I read this prayer and quote:
“Lord, thank You that You do not grow weary. Give me strength to face whatever situation I am in today.” – David McCasland
“When life’s struggles make you weary, find strength in the Lord.” – David McCasland
It seemed like God was giving me a gentle reminder to keep my focus on Him and to trust Him to take care of everything that concerns me.
This episode has taught me that grace will often include surrender, generosity, and compassion.
Prayer: Father, forgive us for the times we fall short. Help us remember that we are here to serve and not to be served. No matter what is going on in our personal lives, when You give us the opportunity to assist others, please allow us to see it for what it is and give us the strength to magnify and glorify You through it. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.
Grace
Receiving Grace
I read From Good to Grace by Christine Hoover. This book put a spotlight on our natural desires to have people think of us as “good”. And, it made me uncomfortable to see how easily this desire could turn into trying to earn God’s acceptance, instead of freely accepting everything He offers us through Jesus Christ.
But, the most valuable insight and understanding I came away with was realizing that I continue to struggle with receiving in general. Whether it’s an unexpected gift, a compliment, or even help with chores.
This month, it seemed like praying about grace and wanting to be conscious of it in my life, helped me understand that it takes grace to receive.
My husband has always been an extremely generous man, and when we first met, his habit of freely giving unnerved me. If something grabbed my attention, he would immediately purchase it for me. It took a while for me to get comfortable with his liberality, and even longer for me to convince him that I didn’t want everything I admired.
He has always had the philosophy of, “Give while I can.” He never waited for a special occasion – he simply gave whenever he thought about someone or saw a gift that reminded him of them.
I’d like to say that I’ve learned to receive after almost thirty years of marriage, but that would be a lie.
The book made me take time to reflect on my life and to try to grasp why it has been so hard for me to receive.
It’s never been easy for me to simply thank others for their compliments. Even when it was about my looks, my attire, my decor, or home cooked meals. Each time, I always explained their kind words away.
Why?
I prayed about it, seeking to understand why I disregarded their compliments, believing it was no big deal, that any efforts I made shouldn’t get recognized? I wanted to know why I found it difficult to accept their gifts and acts of kindness.
As I continued to seek God, I thought about my reaction when I get offers of help. It made me cringe. This has always been one of the hardest things for me to do! For a long while, I accomplished most tasks without help. However, in the last few years, I realized that I can’t do as much and the limits caused frustration.
So, when I was forced to ask for help, I felt guilty and ashamed that I can’t get things done like before.
But, God is showing me that receiving is a form of grace.
It’s a way to accept, with gratitude, the blessings God bestows on me.
Yes, I believe, and have no problem accepting, that there’s no way to earn salvation. I thank God for loving us enough to give it freely (John 3:16).
So why can’t I receive other things in my life as easily or as confidently? Is there a way for me to receive the good things God uses other people to bring into my life? Will I ever stop struggling against it and accept it?
Now that I realize why I have this problem, I feel broken inside. I finally understand that the difficulties I experience with receiving is because I don’t feel worthy.
I don’t believe that I deserve these good things in my life. Why? Because of my physical condition and limitations. Something inside of me causes me to believe I do not deserve anything special or extra or not requested in my life.
I feel sad just thinking about the occasions I have banished joy from my life. It happens every time I fail to receive from others. I see that my joy gets destroyed, but so does the giver’s joy.
Right now, I’m praying for God to renew my mind, for Him to teach me a new way of receiving, for Him to open my heart so that I can be encouraged by the kindness of others.
I have to remember that every time someone takes a moment to help me with a chore, or makes an effort to compliment me, or goes out of their way to shop for a gift – their actions and words are telling me that I M-A-T-T-E-R to them, that they are aware of my presence in their lives, and that I make a difference to them, even when I don’t think so.
I thank God for that book about goodness. I’m glad it didn’t reveal that I have a tendency towards “works”. But, I’m grateful that it has helped me discover a part of my life that was desperate for more of God’s grace.
I’m not used to it. It’s uncomfortable. But, slowly, I’m learning to receive.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your gentle correction when we fail to see ourselves as You’ve created us. Give us the ability to love ourselves so that we can genuinely love others. Please continue to shower us with Your love and mercy, but most of all, with Your grace.
Scriptures for Reflection: Psalm 139:13-16; Romans 12:10; II Corinthians 1:3-4; James 1:17; I Peter 4:7-11
Why Am I So Afraid?
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40 NIV)
There have been plenty of times that I identified with the fear and panic gripping the disciples in this passage. I remember one specific moment when I thought the anxiety would totally overwhelm me. New symptoms had been attacking my body. The pain and tremors by themselves were frightening. But I also had to deal with discomfort in my eyes, which required three days of resting with a cold compress on them. My normal routine dramatically changed. I couldn’t read, watch television, or use the computer.
Whenever my mind strayed away from God’s Word, I felt the panic rising up inside of me. I realized that I had allowed fear to enter my heart. Constantly, I wondered, “What if?”
Thankfully, the pain finally subsided. As I waited for the test results, I found myself thankful that I could read again.
One morning while I was reading my devotions, I read this story and felt that Christ’s rebuke was specifically directed to me. Why had I succumbed to fear and doubt? Where was my faith?
Christ’s words caused me to stop and reflect on Him. That’s when I realized that my focus had been on the things going on in my life. As I prayed for courage, I remembered His promise of peace (John 14:27). Even though I faced unknown difficulties, I knew that I could keep my peace because Jesus had already overcome this world and its troubles (John 16:33).
Today, although I face new challenges with my health, I know to release all of my anxieties to God and to seek His strength. Once again, Philippians 4:6-7 becomes a reality for me as I feel God’s peace flooding my soul.
Are you facing your own difficult circumstance? I pray that you will be encouraged to stir up your faith; seek God’s peace; and allow Him to shoulder your burdens. He will help you get through your present challenge.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your peace and comfort. Help us to remember that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30). As You lead and guide us, may we always remember that nothing is too hard for You (Jeremiah 32:17).
Living Water by Dorothea Love 