Living with Cancer

In my reading today I realized this very much fits my present circumstances.  I have been feeling unaccomplished in anything.

Reading this made me realize my feelings are not the truth. 

September 24, 2012

from:  Streams in the Desert

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, bu the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.  Acts 16:7

What a strange thing for the Lord to prohibit, for they were going into Bithynia to do Christ’s work!  And the door was shut before them by Christ’s own Spirit.

There have been times when I have experienced the same thing.  Sometimes I have been interrupted in what seemed to be quite productive work.  And at times, opposition came and forced me to go back, or sickness came and forced me to rest in some isolated place.

During such times, it was difficult for me to leave my work unfinished when I believed it was service done in the power of His Spirit.  But I finally remembered that the Spirit requires not only a service of work but also a service of waiting.  I came to see that in the kingdom of Christ, there are not only times for action but times to refrain from action.  And I also came to learn that a place of isolation is often the most useful place of all in this diverse world.  Its harvest is more rich than the seasons when the corn and wine were the most abundant.  So I have learned to thank the blessed Holy Spirit that many a beautiful Bithynia had to be left without a visit from me.

Dear Holy Spirit, my desire is still to be led by You.  Nevertheless, my opportunities for usefulness seem to be disappointed, for today the door appears open into a life of service for You but tomorrow it closes before me just as I am about to enter.  Teach me to see another door even in the midst of the inaction of this time.  Help me to find, even in the area of service where You have closed a door, a new entrance into Your service.  Inspire me with the knowledge that a person may sometimes be called to serve by doing nothing, by staying still, or by waiting.  And when I remember the power of Your “gentle whisper” (I Kings 19:12), I will not complain that sometimes the Spirit allows me not to go.  George Matheson 

When I cannot understand my Father’s leading,

and it seems to be but hard and cruel fate,

Still I hear that gentle whisper ever pleading,

God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT.

Then to make sure I got the point, I read the following from “Jesus Calling”.

LIVE FIRST AND FOREMOST IN MY PRESENCE.

This is the path I have set before you.  As you follow it wholeheartedly, you experience abundant Life and Peace.

Sometimes this is a very difficult place to be. And to understand what is going on - why the silence and inactivity.  Then I remember the things

I’ve been learning from this experience and also the messages I’ve gotten out for people to hear:

o   Trust God above all else and work on your relationship with Him. 

o   Love your family and friends and let them know how special they are.

o   Take care of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

o   Get your mammograms on time.  Don’t wait for the possibility of it spreading and becoming something more difficult to fight – or that you will have to live with the rest of your life.  Notice I did not say

“ladies” because MEN can get it too.

These are the most important to me right now.

Certainly, writing and sharing are not inactive.