New Living Translation (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
At the beginning of 2012, I chose the word TRUST as my spiritual theme word for the year. This is the area that I feel God has told me that I personally need to work on. Leaning on Him, relying on Him at all times, and not trying to navigate life on my own. I've tried the self-reliance route in the past. Don't ask how that worked out. I think you all know the answer is "nowhere good." Reading this verse reminds me that God is the one who is in control. His plan for my life has already been determined. Knowing that His plan will ultimately lead somewhere good is making it easier for me to trust that it will, even when I encounter moments of doubt.
Romans 15:4
New Living Translation (NLT)
4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
If I had to pick a second theme word, it would probably be PATIENCE. I know I've gotten myself tangled up in troublesome situations because I wanted things to be done on my schedule. I'm certainly willing to share my calendar with God. But He doesn't need me to tell Him when, why or how to get things done. Sometimes I'm the one who needs to slow down. Sometimes I'm the one who needs to wait patiently instead of jumping into a situation just so I can tick it off of my to-do list. Sometimes our ability to be patient is one of God's ways of showing us mercy. Patience may keep us from deviating from the path He's set us on. Reading this verse reminds me that God's promises will be fulfilled. And when I'm having trouble processing that notion, reassurance can be found in reading God's word.
2 Corinthians 5:7
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.
One of the things I love about being involved in this outreach is being able to share stories where people are bold enough to tell others how God has worked in their lives, even in what some would call the worst of times. I became aware of the Harrison family's story through Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, IL. If you have six minutes to spare, consider watching the video link below. (This one brought me to tears but they were the good kind.)
Lord, This week we've heard from so many people who are in need of patience and trust. So many who are awaiting test results like Hannah, Priscilla and Andrea. So many, like Johnny, who are awaiting healing so they can resume their treatments. So many like Angela and Kim, who are recovering from surgery. So many like Kaitlyn, who are waiting for the correct diagnosis so that effective treatments may begin. We've heard of people like Janis, who are not only dealing with cancer, but also taking care of children on their own. Lord, we ask for You to provide resources to help all of those people who are struggling financially, for those who are struggle to be caregivers when they need care themselves. We pray for all of the people, like Peter, who are caring for a loved one with cancer. Give them the strength and patience to be loving in times of frustration. Give them peace and times of rest and joy. Lord, we thank you for the lives of all those whose journey here has ended. We thank You for families, like the Harrisons, who are willing to share the story of how You walked with them and worked through them as they faced cancer head on. We ask that You comfort all of the families who a grieving the loss of loved ones, but especially the families of Anthony and Mary. Lord, we ask that in times of doubt, that You fill our hearts and minds with constant reminders of all You've promised. Remind us that Your plan and Your timing is perfect. Remind us to lean on You. We thank You for the blessings You give us every day. Let Clyde Harrison's words from the video above ("Who could ask for anything more than what God has given me? What a life!") be the words that remind us of how much we are loved. Amen.