His Promise

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7

Last night, I went to bed with a very heavy heart. This world is a mean and ugly place. The hurt and pain that fills it is, at times, unbearable. There are many days when I just don't understand. I pray for God to give me the faith to trust Him. Wholeheartedly. Without reservation. Trust in His plan with reckless abandon.

But, some days, it hurts too much and I fail.

A precious, innocent third grader at my school has bone cancer. He is 9 and will possibly lose his leg if the chemotherapy doesn't work.

A mom of a first grader at my school was just diagnosed with cancer. Her kids are young and she had to explain that nasty word to them. I can't imagine fathoming this news from my mom at 29, much less 6 and 4.

A former GES teacher with daughters my age was just put on hospice because of cancer. Her daughters are her caregivers and they were just given the expectations of the coming days.

A 15-year boy in our community was just given 3 months to live because of cancer!!! After days of confusing reports and inaccurate diagnoses, his parents found out yesterday that there is not a cure. With treatment, he could make it 11 months.

My best friend has cancer! He has faced melanoma for the last ten years with head high and his faith strong. He has endured more than anyone should have to in his young life while going to law school, graduating with honors, and get his LLM. I wish I could be more like him. (more on that to come)

So, I closed my eyes last night, thinking of all of these people (some I know and love and others I have never met) and their circumstances weighing on my heart, and I questioned why. I know, I know, who and what was I questioning? I don't know. I was just so overwhelmed with the sadness and pain of it all. But this morning, I woke up and God, oh our precious God, He nudged my heart and He said, "Listen, daughter, I am working. My promises are TRUE. I am the ultimate healer and I am bigger than any cancer. Trust me."

And, so I am. I know that God is working. His glory to be redeemed. And while my human nature won't let me wrap my head around what could be the future for some of these people, my faith allows me to know that it will ALL be used for His glory. The power of each testimony in Christ's redeeming love is bigger than any cancer. So, with 3 months or 70 years left on this earth, my prayer is that each person facing their "Goliath" will persevere as David did. David trusted God. He listened. He fought. And, HE WON! Whether that win is earthly or heavenly, with Christ, we are ALL winners. And, that makes me smile. It excites me. It overwhelms me. And I have hope. I have hope in Jesus. In his promise. Nothing else.

Will you join me in praying for each one of these people and their families? I know that God will hear every prayer. The more the merrier...

I am clinging to this hymn today:

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

“The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over your with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17