Peace in Pain

I am reading Max Lucado's book titled For These Tough Times. He says,
"I am more a landlubber than a sailor, but I've puttered around in a bass boat enough to know the secret for finding land in a storm...You don't aim at
another boat. You certainly don't stare at the waves. You set your sights on a object unaffected by the wind-a light on the shore-and go straight toward it. The light is unaffected by the storm.
By seeking God, you do the same. When you set your sights on our God, you focus on the One who can overcome any storm life may bring.
Like Job, you find peace in the pain.
Like Job, you cover your mouth and sit still.
"Be still, and know that I am God: (Psalm 46:10)This verse contains a command with a promise.
The command? Be still. Cover your mouth. Bend your knees.
The promise? You will know that I am God. The vessel of faith journeys on soft waters. Belief rides on the wings of waiting.
In the midst of your daily storms, and in this storm that has swept over our country and even the entire world, make it a point to be still and set your sights on him. Let God be God. Let him bathe you in his glory so that both your breath and your troubles are sucked from your soul. Be still. Be quiet. Be open and willing. Take a moment to be still, and know that he is God."

Yesterday I watched the memorial service for Caleb Koke. Caleb was a young man who was on my team that went to El Salvador 2 summers ago. He fell asleep behind the wheel, drove into a tree and was ushered into the presence of our Lord. It was a very moving service but I was most affected by what his mother Laura said. She talked about the deep peace that she had and the joy of knowing that her son was with Jesus. She expressed her thanks to the thousands of people who had poured out their love to their family. Then she said something that was truly amazing. She said that it hurt her to watch people hurting over the death of Caleb! This is a mother who has chosen to set her sights on God, and to focus on the one who can overcome any storm life may bring.
In his book Lucado talks about the role that Satan plays in our pain. He says, "Perhaps the clearest illustration of how God uses Satan to achieve his purposes is found in the life of Peter. Listen to the warning Jesus gives to him: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to test all of you as a farmer sifts his wheat. I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me." (Luke 22:31-32)
Again, notice who is in control. Even though Satan had a plan, he had to get permission. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" Jesus explained, and this is proof. (Matthew 28:18) The wolf cannot get to the sheep without the permission of the Shepherd, and the Shepherd will only permit the attack if, in the long term, the pain is worth the gain.
The purpose of this test is to provide a testimony for the church. Jesus was allowing Peter to experience a trial so he could encourage his brothers. Perhaps God is doing the same with you. God knows that the church needs living testimonies of his power. Your difficulty, your disease, your conflict are preparing you to be a voice of encouragement to your brothers."

In the midst of her deep pain, I watched Laura Koke encourage the congregation she and her husband pastor and the friends and family that were present at Caleb's memorial service.

God will use each of us to be a voice to bring Him glory if we look to Him during our trials of pain. I know He has allowed me more opportunities to minister than I have ever had before I got cancer. Cancer has become my megaphone to shout his love to those who are suffering. When you have weathered the storms of life with your faith intact, you will forever be a changed person. Don't waste your sorrows. Look for the good in your pain that gives God glory. Trust that He has not forsaken you and never will.

Please pray for the Koke family as they grieve the home going of their sweet son Caleb. Also continue to pray for the Riley family who will be burying their 25 year old son David on Sunday. Both families are pastoring churches. Both sons fell asleep at the wheel. Both families are desperately clinging to God.

I would also appreciate your prayers. On Tuesday I have my mammogram and sonogram in order to get another clean bill of health. Last time they found something they wanted to biopsy. I went through with the biopsy but I will NEVER do that again. It was painful and traumatic. It turned out to be nothing. I had been given the choice to just watch it but I chose the biopsy. August 29th will be my 2 year milestone of being diagnosed with cancer. I am going to celebrate by hang gliding at Torrey Pines! This summer I was also able to compete in the Masters National Championship Track and Field meet in Oshkosh Wisconsin. This was a milestone for me because I had my surgery on my right side, and the removal of so many of my lymph nodes has opened me up to getting lymphedema at any time in my life. I am not supposed to do heavy lifting on that side but God has healed me, so I lift and throw! My mother had always encouraged me to get back into throwing but I was so busy coaching I never did. She and I made some great memories when we threw together back in 1989. When she died last year, I went to New Mexico and got all her implements and decided to train again! It was my way of finding the good in the pain of my loss. I trained with my sister Sani (who was also a thrower and High School coach) for 6 days before we went to Wisconsin. I got my best throws of the year and ended up placing 3rd in discus, 2nd in shot and 1st in the javelin! It was the highlight of my year! I think Sani and I made my mom smile! Thank you dad for paying our way. You are my favorite father and I am going to keep you! Thanks Sewell for holding down the fort and parenting the girls while I was away. If I get that much yard work done while I am gone, I am planning my next trip now! I love you! Thanks for being by my side as we faced the storm together.