This was written months ago when we first learned my sister's cancer had returned. Today I have returned home from her funeral. I find that now more than ever my hope is in my God, and I praise Him for His goodness, mercy, grace and love. Though my heart is heavy with grief, it is filled with the deepest love and praise for my Heavenly Father who has wrapped His arms around me and is walking with me through this most difficult time.
Praise
for my God and Father be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who
daily bears our burdens.
Psalm 68:19
I have often found our local Christian bookstore a place of refuge—quiet calm
to which I can retreat. Friday was no different. After a week of spiritual
assault from satan over the diagnosis of reoccurring cancer in my baby sister’s
life, I declared myself ready to wage war on the enemy. So, after time spent in
communion with my Heavenly Father, I journeyed to town and the bookstore.
As I browsed the stacks, Jennifer approached and asked if I had found everything I needed. After explaining my needs, she directed me to an end stack of devotional books and together we discovered 50 Days of Hope—Daily Inspiration for Your Journey through Cancer by Lynn Eib. Perfect! I knew immediately that I had to mail the book to my sister.
Standing at the check-out counter, Jennifer and I continued to talk. I explained to Jennifer that I know I have hope, but I just need something to remind me. Suddenly, she put her finger to her lips and whispered, “Listen!” We stood silent as we heard these words coming from the soothing voice of Shannon Wexelberg:
Here in the desert, so thirsty and parched
I’ll remind my soul
Put your hope in God
Put your hope in God your Savior
Put your trust in the name of the Lord
Yet, I will praise
Yet, I will praise His name
My tears spilled as Jennifer spoke, “This is a God-ordained encounter!” I
knew it was true. God is good. He cares when I hurt. He wraps His arms around
me at just the right moment to bring hope. When I walk through the desert
thirsty and parched, He walks with me. Nothing surprises God! Even the darkness
is as light to Him—even the valley of the shadow of death.
So I left the bookstore with 50 Days of Hope for my sister and the reminder that the tough days ahead of us are subservient to the Power behind us. God remains able to bring total healing. I hope for that. If, in His sovereign will, He chooses a different path—“Yet I will praise, yet I will praise His Name!”
You too may be facing life’s greatest dilemma. Whether it is with a loved one or a battle of your own, put your hope in God! He will bear your burden, day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment. He will send you reminders to put your hope in God.
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