9/22/09
When I received the cancer diagnosis last January, I had some choices to make. Some of them were logistical---actually a lot of them were logistical and seemed to be ever changing. However, the choice to give this piece of my life to God was not difficult at all. Some folks might marvel at that, but before you put me on some “faithfulness” pedestal, I have a confession. That choice was not difficult for me because I didn’t really have control over what had happened. It “was what it was”---mycrocystic adnexal carcinoma. Life happens---“it is what it is” and much of it is out of our hands.
The swap--giving my piece of a “cancer victim life” to God--was replaced by His incredible Peace. So what’s the problem, you wonder? The problem is me. Other “swaps” in my life still don’t come as easily. When I think (wrongly, of course) that I have some control over a situation, then it is harder to turn it over to Him. Children’s choices, economic “stretches,” work obligations, to name a few.
What does God’s Word say about all this sinful fretting? For one thing, submission is necessary. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:6-7) Then, when we’re anxious for nothing, He gives that Peace that we can’t even comprehend. (Philippians 4:6)
Six months ago I gave God a big piece of my life---a rare cancer. In return, He gave me an even bigger PEACE---His Peace that passes understanding. As stated in Jesus Calling’s 9/12 entry, His Peace is a continual gift to me, I just have to receive it.
Today I sought peace, I pursued peace and I found peace---or it found me as I turned pieces of me and my struggles over to Him-- moment by moment. May I continue to receive His gift of Peace. Remembering that He cares for me, may I lay at His feet all those shattered pieces of my life, those cares and concerns that rob me of joy, and receive His Peace. What an exchange!
