Month: May 2021

Compassionate Care

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When I first read this verse the other day, I thought of the compassion and kindness I received throughout the course of my medical care.  I also thought of the humility that can come with taking care of someone else’s physical needs.

Then I read the verse more carefully, this verse is talking about those God has chosen to be his children.  We are called to be holy, and God tells us we are beloved – by Him!  We should put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  I fear that Christians are not often known for these traits – or we only show one or two.  This list is difficult – especially putting them all together.  We need God’s help to live these character traits.  God has given us everything we need to live godly lives (2 Peter 1:3).

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to live out these character traits so all can see that I am Your child.  Please help me to encourage other Christians to do the same. Thank You for giving us all we need to accomplish this task.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Complete and Total Trust

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This last week I have been fighting a different battle.  The company that manages my employer’s disability policy does not have the information they want to process my claim.  I have been confused and felt hassled trying to be the go-between to get this situation resolved.  I have needed the reminder to pray and trust the Lord completely.  God has this situation in hand, just as He had my surgery and recovery taken care of.

Life is full of various challenges.  God has the ability to take care of us through anything He allows in our lives.  I need to rely completely and totally on God to be able to make it through those situations.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing secure footing when I rely completely on You.  Please help me when I struggle to trust You completely.  I know You are trustworthy. 

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Being Equipped

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I was at CTCA for my one month post-surgery follow up this week.  God has sent many blessings along the way, despite the challenges of surgery.  At this point, I have been “released” and do not need any more treatment.

I still can’t say specifically why God chose this journey for me, but I know God has a plan to bring honor to Himself.  He will equip me to do His will.  There is nothing better in life than living for God.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all of the blessings and for giving me strength to endure the challenges.  Please help me to live the purpose You have for me.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Willing to Receive

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Lord,
I am willing to receive what You send,
lack what You withhold, 
relinquish what You take, 
suffer what You inflict;
To do what You command and
To be what You require.

Elizabeth Elliot

I know I much prefer receiving the “nice” things in life.  Something that warms my heart like a friendly greeting or good news.  I find it much harder to receive difficulties.  Going through appointments and surgery for a pre-cancerous tumor hit my introverted personality hard.  There were many difficult things along the way.  However, I spent so much more time praying.  I have also been convicted to watch for and write down the joy God sends throughout the difficulties.  I have found it fun to share the stories of the blessings.  I found it easier to make it through the tough times by looking for and enjoying the positive things.

I want to be willing to say what Elizabeth Elliot did – to be willing to have what God wants.  I know God’s gifts are always best.  Prayer and thanksgiving are two great ways to receive what God gives.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You send my way.  Thank You that the difficulties are a gift to help me draw closer to You. I ask for help as I continue to navigate the challenges of life.  Please help me to share hope, love, and faith in You with those around me.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Wonderful Things from the Faithful One

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While surgery brings many challenges, God did many wonderful things throughout the process.  I asked God to send me one Christian in the process of my medical care.  The person at the surgery check-in desk goes to a local Baptist church and has heard a speaker I know from Minnesota.  I also met the CTCA chaplain face to face when he stopped by the hospital after surgery (I had talked to him on the phone before).  I prayed for one, but God sent me two.  

God made it possible for my parents to meet me at CTCA and drive me home to help me for a time after surgery.  I have an employer and coworkers who have given me support throughout this time that I needed to be out.  I have a church family who has reached out to help with a variety of needs.  These are just a few of the wonderful things God has done for me.

I need plenty of reminders of the wonderful things that God has done.  Life is full of challenges and I can get stuck worrying about the difficulties.  Instead, I want to share the goodness of God in the midst of trials.  This doesn’t mean that I will downplay or ignore the difficulties, but I believe this will help me to face struggles with more of God’s strength rather than my own.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings and strength that You provide.  I ask for continued guidance as I navigate the difficulties You have allowed.  Please help me to focus on the blessings and view the trials with a God honoring view.  Thank You for Your faithfulness.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.