Moment by Moment Grace

Floyd's doctor told me yesterday that his condition continues to be stable.  Floyd is peaceful, and being well cared for.

I got the first part of the report from my recent medical tests this week.  My oncologist said it was good news!  There is no new tumor growth, and the cancer hasn't spread.  She said I'm recovering well from all I went through in Nov. and Dec.  It was encouraging to get her feedback!  

The first 3 episodes of season 2 of The Chosen have been released recently.  I've been waiting for the new season as I so enjoyed season 1, which I had watched a number of times!  As I watched these 3 new episodes, it made me want to read the books of Matthew and John again in the New Testament - so I've been doing that.  This passage from Matthew 10:40-42 stood out to me:

"Whoever receives you, receives me, and whoever receives me receives the One who sent me.  Whoever receives a prophet because he is God's messenger will share a prophet's reward.  And whoever welcomes a good and godly man because he follows me will also share in his reward.  And whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of my humble disciples, I promise you, he will not go unrewarded."

My heart filled with gratitude as I read this passage.  So many of those who read my updates have given "a cup of cold water" to Floyd and me.  Their love, prayers, gifts, encouraging words and care in so many ways have ministered to us.  I don't think we'd have made it without that!  I am so, so very grateful!  The refreshing "cold water" that has been extended to us has helped us persevere!  

As I've read through the book of Matthew, I've been impressed afresh with how many healing miracles Jesus performed.  It has increased my faith to keep praying for miracles - not just for us, but for so many dear friends and relatives who are in need of a miracle.  Jesus is the same yesterday and today!  I'm asking Him for miracles.

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."  Philippians 1:3

This past week we've had a big fire here in Cape Town on Table Mountain.  You may have seen it on the news as it made international headlines.  It's still uncertain how it started Sunday morning but it spread very quickly because of things being so dry and the humidity level being low.  In no time at all, it was raging out of control.  Firemen were brought in from around the area, water dropping helicopters were working furiously, and people on the ground were spraying water where possible.  The fire raged for 2 days.

Thankfully there was no loss of life, and only a few injuries.  But several buildings were burned on the UCT campus including the library which lost many priceless documents.  Some homes were lost.  An iconic windmill from 1796 was destroyed.  Thousands had to be evacuated.  People have pulled together to help one another. 

As I followed the news and watched everything unfold, it reminded me yet again that our lives can change in an instant.  When we're going through a hard time, we often ask the Lord for grace and strength for the "big picture" of what we're facing.  We need that.  But we have no idea of what will happen that we can't see.  I've come to realize more and more that I need "moment-by-moment" grace and strength.  There are so many variables that come along that I had no idea about - some big, unexpected "fires."  I couldn't make it without His sufficient provision for the moment.  It keeps me close to Him as I rely on that step-by-step help.  I'm so very grateful that He's with me on every twist and turn of the journey......especially the unexpected ones.

"My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in  Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."  Matthew 6:8

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."  Psalm 23:1 

"Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights."  Habakkuk 3:19

Our unexpected journey has been long, but God's faithful moment-by-moment grace has carried me through.  He has never failed me!