About fourteen years ago at a follow-up appointment following a routine surgery, the doctor gave me news that sent my world spinning–I had cancer. I’m sure some of you can relate to that feeling. I remember the shock, denial, grief, and fear like it was yesterday. I remember even taking the wrong exit as I drove back to work.
One day a friend asked me, “Do you ever ask God “Why me?” I could honestly say no, rather I asked “Why not me?” We aren’t promised a trouble-free life but we know that God can work all things together for the good of those who are called according to his purpose through him. Why, because his plans are for our good and his glory. He doesn’t waste anything, even the worst things. We might not know or see the good during the storm, but at the right time, he will reveal it.
You might be in a long season of suffering, grief, or turmoil. God hasn’t forgotten you. One day–whether in this life or the one to come, you’ll see he was working beauty out of ashes, goodness out of sorrow. Pastor Dennis used to say “SBIGO, something bigger is going on here,” in other words, God will bring the good. Keep hoping, and trusting, and keep the faith in God’s love for you.
I love Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Life can be overwhelming, painful, and scary, those feelings are real and normal. I had no idea that after a huge surgery and six months of chemo and radiation, I would be able to say thank you Lord for using this experience to open up opportunities for friendships with women going through serious, often terminal illnesses, a blessing, and a privilege. God never leaves us even when we feel completely alone, he is there waiting for us to find comfort and peace in him.
Deb Hill
EFCC Staff