4/26/12

Promises

Corrie Ten Boom once said, "Let God's promises shine on your problems."  And also, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  I would have loved to have met this woman in person.  When things start to weigh me down and the future looks unclear she comes to my remembrance and I realize that I have never endured anything like she has.  From there the mind might wander to others that have gone before me and I eventually end up in Hebrews 11.  Hebrews 11:38 says this, "of whom the world was not worthy".   Back up a couple of verses and you will find that their lives consisted of hardships and trouble.  Many stories in the Bible are just that ~ hard.  But if one is to look closely we can see this thread of the Almighty interweaving a theme of redemption and restoration.

"The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures."                  

Verse 3 of the hymn Amazing Grace encapsulates many promises given to us in the Bible.  Now, I'm not going to say that everything is sunshine and lollipops.  But if Christ is Savior and Lord it puts a whole new color and depth to the circumstances that come to us.  It is a matter of perspective.   Corrie Ten Boom endured life in a concentration camp and still saw evidences of God's grace even there.  So, it's not so much what we go through or what happens in our life but whether we can see God in the midst and thank Him for His providences.  There are always mini miracles happening if there are eyes to see it.  Believing in the promises of God is foolish and simplistic to some.  But to those who trust it is the bed rock and foundation of who we are.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  (Jeremiah 29:11)  We can't predict the future and at this moment the scenario of our lives might not look too great.  But through the lenses of eternity and God's promises there is hope for tomorrow.  I believe it!

Since I have last written on this blog I have had a PET scan that has come back clear (praise God!).  However, I am still scheduled to start chemotherapy on the 8th of May.  Another doctor's visit next week, wig shopping with my sister-in-law and hopefully much grandkid time.  Much to do and life to live.  I trust that God will give me and those around me what is needed for the days ahead because He has promised.  And there it is.


7 comments:

  1. Love your posts. I look forward to them as they are always so down to earth and full of positive faith. God's grace is sufficient and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Jan

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  2. You are so right Judy that God's grace is sufficient for us all. So happy to hear the your PET scan was clear. I will continue to pray for strength and comfort as you continue on through this journey. The lessons that we all learn from each other through God's plan is pretty incredible. Sending you loving thoughts that are covered by prayer.

    Mary laFrance

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  3. Your posts always encourage me and others who read them...I love you dear D-I-L and am praying for you daily and know our wonderful God will give you perfect peace through all of this. If I can take you in for treatments, shop for you, do laundry or be of help to you in any way, please give me a holler...Stay right beside our Lord and Savior and His grace will always be sufficient...Thankfully, He is in the boat with you...
    Much Love, Dee

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  4. Dearest Judy,
    I love your blog. What an inspiration you are to me and others. I know Our Father in Heaven is holding you in the Hollow of His Hand. I love you and Dan too!
    Aunt Nan

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  5. Judy, Thank you for sharing your heart so beautifully. You used one of my favorite verses in here and I always take delight when people use that scripture (Jeremiah 29:11). It serves as a great reminder. Love you and hope to be able to see you someday soon!
    Karen Tameling

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  6. Excellently said (if that is a word)! I, too, look forward to your posts and the wisdom the Lord is giving you day by day. I pray for you everyday, Judy.
    With love and a hug in Christ,
    Diana

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  7. Inklings from Shadow Land? Must be a C.S. Lewis / J.R.R. Tolkien fan. If so, find the seminar MP3 of Tolkien, Tea, and Tim - a Redeemer Presbyterian Church seminar - about 95 minutes on two MP3s - you'll learn much about the weaving of Christian truths in the Lord of the Rings.

    Bob West

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