Life is a journey, full of twists and unexpected turns. But when we submit our ways to the Lord, He “makes our paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)
Have you ever considered a trial to be a gift?
After I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in October of 2020, I had the distinct impression of the Lord saying, as He did to Peter in Luke 22, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.”
Though a bit unsettling, I thought, Okay, I’ll go through this trial, cling to the Lord, gain new insights, bolster my faith, and move on. Little did I know the “sifting” would not be short-lived. After a year of treatments and a brief six month reprieve, my battle moved to a deeper level. The cancer we thought had been killed out instead spread to my bones and lymph nodes.
Three and a half years after my original diagnosis, I’m still battling, still daily being sifted like wheat. Though cancer meds and radiation have worked to slow the disease, the treatments have taken a toll on my body. My strength is sapped and my body depleted.
A HEAVENLY MINDSET
Can the Lord heal me? Absolutely! Will He? Only time will tell.
Part of me longs for my old healthy body and to be rid of this relentless, wasting disease. I rejoice any time I have a feel-good, pain-free day. Which, honestly, haven’t been many in recent weeks.
But another part of me sees the precious gift at the core of this trial–a more Heaven focused mindset. When I look at the sky, I think of Heaven. The beauty of creation makes me wonder what it will be like to stroll amid the perfect creation alongside our Creator. When I experience aches and pains, I wonder what it will be like to have a new body, with no pain or imperfection of any kind. Won’t that be wonderful?
When I hear conversations about things like clothing, decorating, or someone’s latest purchase, especially after my Stage IV diagnosis, I just can’t relate. The things of this world have lost their luster. Don’t get me wrong, I still slip back into earthly thinking quite often. But it’s just different somehow. Not as important.
Family. Relationships. Faith. That’s what’s important.
I find myself eager to make the best use of my time on this earth. Make each day count somehow by speaking words of encouragement to someone or sharing what the Lord is whispering to my heart. What Satan means for harm, the Lord can use for good.
Whatever the future holds, I want to live with Paul’s motto, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
**Have you ever experienced a trial that draws you closer to God?
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION
Inspirational Historical Romance set during the Civil War era
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
Beautiful message! Continuing to pray for you🙏!
Thank you, dear friend!
You are inspiring me, and I know others, with your strength and your faith, and your wonderful novels. Continuing to pray for you.
Thank you, Kim! That blesses me to hear. May the Lord inspire many through the words He gives me to write. Blessings!
Virtual hugs to you, whenever you need one. Prayers to you and Marvin and your boys and daughter-in-law. ♥️
Thank you, Caryn! SO appreciated. Hugs to you too!
I am praying for you, dear friend.
Thanks, Linda! That is such an encouragement to me! Blessings!
You my dear friend are such an inspiration to me. I find myself complaining a lot cause of how I feel a lot of times, but then I think of people like you and all that you have gone through on your journey, and I have to ask the Lord to forgive me. You are so encouraging to a lot of people. God is our stronghold. He and He alone will guide us and hold us fast.
Amen! Thank you for reaching out, Judy! You are a blessing and encouragement to me as well. I’ve done my share of complaining to the Lord and have to refocus my thinking. LOL! I think He understands and appreciates our honest feelings. It brings me joy to hear the Lord is using my journey to bless you and hopefully others. Hugs!