As 2020 grinds to a close and 2021 begins, we look ahead with hope in our hearts. No doubt about it, it has been a rough year for all of us. Social distancing has robbed us of time with family, friends, co-workers, and activities. Worse yet, loved ones in hospitals and nursing homes have been starved of the support of their family members.
Businesses have suffered economic backlash from Covid restrictions. Isolation is the norm, especially for elderly shut-ins and those most at risk. Healthcare workers are weary and drained from overwork. It appears no one has gone untouched by the effects of this pandemic.
PERSONAL BATTLES
I’ve had my own personal battles this year with the loss of my dad and a cancer diagnosis for both my husband and myself. I’ve undergone two rounds of chemotherapy thus far with more to come, along with upcoming surgeries, and a year of targeted therapy and possibly radiation.
But even with these challenges ahead, I’m looking forward to 2021 with hope in my heart. That the Lord will bring comfort and healing, and a new lease on life. Already He is molding my heart, teaching me how to lean on His strength instead of my own.
I’ve been told the first round of chemo is the most frightening. And while I won’t dispute that, I’m not so sure it is the hardest. After undergoing the side effects from the first round, I dreaded the second round all the more because I knew what was coming.
JESUS IN THE GARDEN
In a way, that sense of dread has deepened my understanding of the anguish Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of His crucifixion. He knew what was coming, and His heart was filled with sorrow with what He must go through.
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26: 36-39)
Jesus knows the hardships we endure. He suffered more than any of us could ever bare. And yet, He did it willingly for our sake, not because He wanted to, but out of His great love for us and for the Father. How comforting to know we have a Savior who is acquainted with grief and understands our struggles.
As we turn the page and begin a new year, may we take comfort in knowing how great our Savior’s love is and the extent He went to demonstrate that love. And may that truth fill you with HOPE in the New Year!
**Have you ever experienced a hardship that gave you a clearer sense of God’s presence?
INSPIRATIONAL HISTORICAL NOVELS
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
I continue to pray for you. Chemotherapy is not fun. I’m a 15 years breast cancer survivor and went through chemo, radiation and years of medications in hopes of preventing a return of the cancer. My cancer has not returned and I am very thankful. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your reminder that God is always with us is encouraging. Amen. We can find comfort in our Savior’s love.
Thanks Melissa! That is such an encouragement to me as I walk this cancer journey! I pray continued good health for you! Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story. God bless!
Yes, I have experienced times in my life that I just wanted to be someone else and somewhere else. The latest experience was when I took the quad tendon off of my left knee trying to step up into a tow truck. I knew what happened the minute it tore since I had been through it with my right tendon. The problem with this tendon is it did not heal. I had to have a graft put into my leg. i was in a brace keeping my leg perfectly straight for fifteen months. I know do not have much mobility and strength in my legs. I walk with a walker. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen of our home in a chair. I lost my job of 18 years. I had to go on disability because I cannot walk to get into a job. The Lord never left me in all of this pain and suffering. He met our every need financially, medically and spiritually. There are times now, that I wonder how I made it through all that happened. The only way is with the Lord.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Debra. What a trying time that must have been for you. And what a witness of God’s faithfulness in providing for you and bringing you through it. I can’t imagine going through life without Jesus. My heart goes out to those who don’t have a sense of His presence and peace. May the Lord continue to bring you healing and hope. God bless you in the new year!
Lets hope its a better year Cynthia, i remember when my husband was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer, it wss tough while he waited for his op and in some pain, so thankful now he seems ok with only 1 Kidney, God is good he will walk with you, blessings.
Thanks, Ann! I’m so thankful your husband is doing well. May 2021 hold blessings for us all. God be with you, my friend!