George Meuller once said, "The only way to know strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm through severe testings."
In Romans 4 we read the story of the faith of Abraham.
Verse 18 says, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed..." Verse 19 says, "Without weakening in His faith..." Verse 20 goes on to say, "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
In the beginning of this journey with God through cancer, a surgeon I spoke with told me I would die if I did not do chemo and radiation. Against all hope I believed God was going to heal me through nutrition and a lifestyle change. I did not waver and give in to fear and choose chemotherapy over what I knew God wanted me to do. My faith was strengthened as I stepped out and trusted God. I knew he had the power to heal me and he did. The bible says he has the power to heal all diseases. Now my privilege is to give him Glory through my testimony of faith and trust.
Have you ever believed God would see you a trial even when it seemed hopeless? Have your circumstances ever caused you to weaken in your faith? Are your learning your faith each day by standing firm in the midst of trials and testings? Every unpleasant, difficult, stressful and immovable situation is a chance for the world to see the power of the God we serve. He can move mountains be it cancer or other health issues, finances, relationships or work situations. Face the giants of your life with a God saturated soul and watch Him do the impossible. In the process your faith will be strengthened and you will be shouting from the rooftops in joy as you proclaim His goodness to anyone who will listen. We do not serve a small, puny God. Step out with bold faith and believe he can do beyond anything we can ask or think. Those coming behind you need your example of unwavering faith. Don't disappoint them.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
CELEBRATING!
Yesterday my oncologist said I AM IN REMISSION!!!!
My blood work looks good, tumor markers are negative and she said I look really healthy. She has ordered a sonogram and mammogram in August and then blood work in 6 months. As I was leaving she patted me on the arm and said to stay healthy and that I make her nervous. We both laughed! I don't think she has really known what to do with me. I am probably her only patient that she is NOT treating since I refused the chemo and radiation. Right after I saw her I visited my cancer nutritionist in Encinitas and he is adjusting a few small things in my eating to bring all my levels into complete balance. I learn so much every time I talk to him.
Now I will continue on my healthy eating plan and keep all the good changes I've made this past year in other areas of my life. I have had several people tell me I should write a book. I am going to prayerfully consider that. I don't know what I would say and yet I have found plenty to say as I have blogged on my Facing Your Giant. My husband says I never run out of words! Ha Ha!
I have learned so much this past year and I know I will continue to learn new things as I wait in silence before Him. The most important thing I've learned is that without a strong relationship with God that is built on daily devotions none of us will be able to hear God's voice speak into our lives. The reason I had the faith to take a road that is not well traveled in Cancer land is because I know I heard from God. I have spent a lifetime cultivating an intimate, close relationship with Him. I have heard his voice so many times in the past and I know when He is speaking to me. Without that foundational relationship coming into this diagnosis I might not have been able to hear His voice over all the voices that were giving me council and advise. When you hear his voice you have to be willing to follow it even if it doesn't make sense and even if it takes a huge leap of faith. We have to be willing to follow God even if it takes personal sacrifice and discipline. The rewards are far better than anything we may have to give up, as I have found. There is nothing that feels better than being obedient to God and staying in the center of His will.
There are so many more thoughts I have to share but right now I am going outside to plant some flowers to celebrate the healing He has given me! I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude to my Heavenly Father and to all of you who have faithfully encouraged me, stood by me and prayed for me this past year. I know the battle is not over yet but a great victory has been won. My love and hugs go out to you!
"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
Romans 11:36
My blood work looks good, tumor markers are negative and she said I look really healthy. She has ordered a sonogram and mammogram in August and then blood work in 6 months. As I was leaving she patted me on the arm and said to stay healthy and that I make her nervous. We both laughed! I don't think she has really known what to do with me. I am probably her only patient that she is NOT treating since I refused the chemo and radiation. Right after I saw her I visited my cancer nutritionist in Encinitas and he is adjusting a few small things in my eating to bring all my levels into complete balance. I learn so much every time I talk to him.
Now I will continue on my healthy eating plan and keep all the good changes I've made this past year in other areas of my life. I have had several people tell me I should write a book. I am going to prayerfully consider that. I don't know what I would say and yet I have found plenty to say as I have blogged on my Facing Your Giant. My husband says I never run out of words! Ha Ha!
I have learned so much this past year and I know I will continue to learn new things as I wait in silence before Him. The most important thing I've learned is that without a strong relationship with God that is built on daily devotions none of us will be able to hear God's voice speak into our lives. The reason I had the faith to take a road that is not well traveled in Cancer land is because I know I heard from God. I have spent a lifetime cultivating an intimate, close relationship with Him. I have heard his voice so many times in the past and I know when He is speaking to me. Without that foundational relationship coming into this diagnosis I might not have been able to hear His voice over all the voices that were giving me council and advise. When you hear his voice you have to be willing to follow it even if it doesn't make sense and even if it takes a huge leap of faith. We have to be willing to follow God even if it takes personal sacrifice and discipline. The rewards are far better than anything we may have to give up, as I have found. There is nothing that feels better than being obedient to God and staying in the center of His will.
There are so many more thoughts I have to share but right now I am going outside to plant some flowers to celebrate the healing He has given me! I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude to my Heavenly Father and to all of you who have faithfully encouraged me, stood by me and prayed for me this past year. I know the battle is not over yet but a great victory has been won. My love and hugs go out to you!
"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
Romans 11:36
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Believing In A God Who Allows Suffering
I am taking a class on line called 10 Reasons To Believe In A God Who Allows Suffering. Three of the reasons that have really struck home are:
Pain loosens our grip on this life, Suffering reveals what is in our hearts and Suffering gives us an opportunity to trust God. This past year I have learned to let go of so many things that I used to hold tightly. I am letting go of perfectionism, the importance of what people think of me, and the tendency to sweat the small stuff. My prayer is that through my suffering God has seen a heart that trusts Him, that refuses to whine or have a pity party and a heart that is reaching out to others in compassion. Because I feel I have been taken to the edge of eternity through this cancer journey I have learned to trust God in a way I never have before. It is one thing to say I trust God, it is another to know that my life is literally in His hands and to trust Him with it.
I feel have spent this past year as a student and as a teacher. Each day I have showed up in God's classroom to learn the lesson of the day. I have then gone to my school and to my friends and I've tried to teach what I am learning. God has used suffering and pain as His daily lesson plan in my life this year. I have to say I have never learned as much as I have this past year. I know God allows suffering and pain for our benefit, not for our destruction. My prayer is that when you go through suffering your heart will stay soft towards God and that you will embrace all that He has for you in it. Don't waste any time feeling sorry for yourself or being angry with God. You will only end up a bitter and angry person. You choose how you respond to what God allows to come into your life. Purpose to respond with a God saturated soul that is full of faith. Take every ounce of your pain and turn it into something good. It is possible. God already knows the ministry He wants to make out of your life. Don't miss it. I am excited to see what God has for me next year. I know there are dozens of divine appointments where I can use what He has taught me to bless and encourage others.
P.S. I had my carotenoid levels tested (immune system strength) this week. The last test in April my levels were at 63,000 which is 4,000 above the highest the printed graph will show. This week it was 75,000!!! My doctor said they have never had anyone read that high in their office. I was so excited to see how strong my immune system was even though I did not have my carrot juice or veggies while I was in El Salvador! I see my oncologist on July 15th for another exam and blood panel! God is healing me! YEAH!!
Pain loosens our grip on this life, Suffering reveals what is in our hearts and Suffering gives us an opportunity to trust God. This past year I have learned to let go of so many things that I used to hold tightly. I am letting go of perfectionism, the importance of what people think of me, and the tendency to sweat the small stuff. My prayer is that through my suffering God has seen a heart that trusts Him, that refuses to whine or have a pity party and a heart that is reaching out to others in compassion. Because I feel I have been taken to the edge of eternity through this cancer journey I have learned to trust God in a way I never have before. It is one thing to say I trust God, it is another to know that my life is literally in His hands and to trust Him with it.
I feel have spent this past year as a student and as a teacher. Each day I have showed up in God's classroom to learn the lesson of the day. I have then gone to my school and to my friends and I've tried to teach what I am learning. God has used suffering and pain as His daily lesson plan in my life this year. I have to say I have never learned as much as I have this past year. I know God allows suffering and pain for our benefit, not for our destruction. My prayer is that when you go through suffering your heart will stay soft towards God and that you will embrace all that He has for you in it. Don't waste any time feeling sorry for yourself or being angry with God. You will only end up a bitter and angry person. You choose how you respond to what God allows to come into your life. Purpose to respond with a God saturated soul that is full of faith. Take every ounce of your pain and turn it into something good. It is possible. God already knows the ministry He wants to make out of your life. Don't miss it. I am excited to see what God has for me next year. I know there are dozens of divine appointments where I can use what He has taught me to bless and encourage others.
P.S. I had my carotenoid levels tested (immune system strength) this week. The last test in April my levels were at 63,000 which is 4,000 above the highest the printed graph will show. This week it was 75,000!!! My doctor said they have never had anyone read that high in their office. I was so excited to see how strong my immune system was even though I did not have my carrot juice or veggies while I was in El Salvador! I see my oncologist on July 15th for another exam and blood panel! God is healing me! YEAH!!
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