Journal Entry-June 25, 2009
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed...Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
1 Peter 4:12-12, 19
"My attitude as a saint to sorrow and difficulty is not to ask that they may be prevented, but to ask that I may preserve the self God created me to be through every fire of sorrow...We say that there ought to be no sorrow, but there is sorrow, and we have to receive ourselves in its fires. Sin and sorrow and suffering are, and it is not for us to say that God has made a mistake in allowing them. Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness, but it does not always make a man better. Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. You cannot receive your self in success, you lose your head; you cannot receive your self in monotony, you grouse. The way to find your self is in the fires of sorrow. Why it should be so is another matter, but that it is so is true in the Scriptures and human experience...If you receive your self in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people."
Excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
God has turned my attention to suffering the past two days. It is so easy to wallow in self pity when you are suffering. This passage and excerpt have drawn me back to the purpose for it all. I want to come through these fires of sorrow knowing my Lord better and being nourishment for others. I hope if you are facing any fires of sorrow this week that these words will be nourishment to you as they have been to me.
I have begun some daily strengthening exercises that I will do for the next 6 weeks to build myself back up from the effects of surgery and chemotherapy. As many of you know, physical therapy after surgery or an injury is necessary, but painful. I appreciate your prayers as I labor to be consistent with these exercises over the next few weeks.
We are planning a much needed vacation next week! Please pray with us for rest, relaxation, and safety for us all. I also ask for prayer as we "suffer" through the mental strain of dealing with insurance companies and doctor's offices. We need wisdom as we weigh our treatment options for radiation.
The final lab reports for both surgeries showed that 3 out of the 12 lymph nodes they removed had cancer in them. They are out now, and I move forward to radiation soon. I go back to the doctors on July 9.
Thanks so much for the encouraging cards, phone calls, and prayers! Have a blessed Independence Day with your families!
Thank you for sharing such precious thoughts, Shannon. You will definitely be nourishment for other people as a result of the suffering and sorrow you're traveling through. You're being given a new ministry. Through your trials you're being conformed to be more like Christ. Jeremy preached a message on Sunday entitled "Graciously Given All Things" from Romans 8:31-39 (focusing on verse 32). If God be for us who can be against us? He challenged us to counsel ourselves with the gospel as we go through our trials.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're having a week away with your family. I trust it will be very relaxing and a special time of refreshment. You all need that right now. I'll be in touch. I've had a hard time getting through on the phone. I'm wanting to bring a meal by sometime but we'll try to get in touch over the next few weeks. Praying for you and the family. Keep trusting and praising our Great and Awesome God who loves you so much. Love, Pat