Cancer is so limited...it cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot destroy peace. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot suppress memories. It cannot invade the soul. It cannot steal eternal life. It cannot conquer the spirit.
I love those words. They beautifully reflect the truth found in God's Word. Paul, facing physical challenges, could say with confidence, "We ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure" (2 Corinthians 4:7). The apostle, like your or someone you know, experienced suffering as an ever-present companion (v.10). Yet he chose to "fix [his] gaze on things that cannot be seen" (v.18).
Paul's faith and confidence flowed from the treasure within him - God's transforming power - and the future that awaited him - eternity with Jesus (v.17). He knew that when this life was over he would be forever in God's presence, where there will be "no more death or sorrow or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4).
When suffering comes, we can pour out our hearts to God (Psalm 55:22). He is with us in our pain (Hebrews 13:5). We can worship Him when He chooses to heal and when He chooses not to heal. But no limited thing like disease or suffering can ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38). An ultimate healing, as Christian composer Wayne Watson puts it, lies just ahead. Today, fix your eyes on what can't be seen - what an awesome, breathtaking view!
Read 2 Corinthians 4:17 - 18
What fills your heart and mind as you fix your eyes on what can't be seen? What does ultimate healing mean to you?
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever (Psalm 73:26).
My sister Beverly started her latest chemotherapy yesterday and did well, except it took 5 tries before they got it in the vein. Then it was 3 hours of an IV. Thanks for your prayers.
ReplyDeleteJim starts his Zometa therapy Friday. This will help strengthen his bones. Thanks for your prayers for our family.