Our Firm Rock and Foundation

I recently heard something that I hadn't known.  Not too long before he got sick, Floyd was traveling and spent time with a couple.  He shared with them that God had been challenging him to give me to Him.  They assumed it had to do with my cancer battle.  It was only later after all that happened that they wondered if it related to Floyd giving me to the Lord when he could no longer take care of me - while I battled cancer and he lay in a hospital bed.  It was one more example of how the Lord knew what was coming and was paving the way for our unexpected journey.  I can't help but think that it must have comforted Floyd's heart during those days to know he had already committed me to the capable hands of the Lord.

God is such a wonderful God of details!  He oversees and is involved in everything in our lives.  Recently I've had some big things to take to Him - and also lots of small things.....things that may seem inconsequential, but things that are still part of life.  God is never too busy, too tired, or too overwhelmed to be involved in all the details of our lives.  Nothing is too big or too small for His attention.

That gives me such confidence and security as I continue on my journey.  There are times when I miss being able to talk and process things with Floyd.  I'm so grateful that I can pour out my heart to the Lord - knowing He's listening and that He'll help me with what I'm facing.  He "neither slumbers nor sleeps" - He's always ready to hear my heart!

"The Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary."  Isaiah 40:28

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."  Deuteronomy 33:27

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' "  Isaiah 41:13

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."  Psalm 5:3

Our awesome God is concerned about every single detail of our lives.  I'm so grateful for that!

This has been an important week for me.  It was "check up" time.  It's always a bit nerve racking as I wait to see what the verdict is for my condition.  I have a tumor that couldn't be removed in the big surgery in November 2020.  To do so would have irreparably damaged several nearby organs.  So I know I'll always have cancer unless there's a healing miracle.  I would love to hear the words "cancer free" - but I was grateful when I heard the words "the tumor hasn't grown."  That is wonderful news!

After being so frail when I came home from the six weeks in the hospital after my surgery, I worked all last year to try and rebuild my health and strength.  The doctor feels I'm doing very well.  When I had my original diagnosis, the doctor didn't think I'd make it for even 2 years.  This coming June will be 8 years.  I know God's hand has been upon me.  I am so thankful. 

I was recently praying about something and this phrase came so clearly to mind - "when one door closes, God opens another."  I guess I've had a number of closed doors in recent years, but I know God has plans and purposes for my future.  My own strength is limited, but God's grace and strength is abundant.  I will walk through the open doors He has for me.

It's so important for us to remember this in whatever we are walking through.  Until the day He takes us home to heaven, He will always have "open doors" for us.  He has good things in store for us always - even in the midst of a pandemic, in unusual weather events, in uncertain things all around us, in sickness, in loss, and in any difficult situation we are facing.  He is our firm Rock and foundation!  His hand is upon us.  In whatever we face, our hard time isn't meant to break us but to bend us ever more closely into our loving God who has good things in store for us!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Perhaps you were born for such a time as this."  Esther 4:14

"The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations."  Psalm 33:11

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."  Psalm 32:8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him."  Romans 8:28

If I had to figure out everything in my life on my own, I'd be so overwhelmed and lost in knowing what to do.  I'm so grateful for God's wisdom in showing me the "doors" I'm to walk through.  He is a wonderful guide.  My heart is full of love and thankfulness.