How many times have you heard the phrase “this too shall pass”? Not only have I heard it, but I have used it on countless occasions. It seems so cliché when on a rollercoaster ride of endless challenges with no end in sight. The challenge can be physical, emotional, spiritual, big, small or all of the above. Challenges are tough whether one, two or a multitude.
Have you ever looked at someone else’s challenge(s) and wished yours were so easy? In your head you hear the unspoken words “God will only give you what you can handle”. You think “Don’t care. his are easier.” Then you remember that these challenges will make you stronger. You think about that for a nanosecond. “Stronger? Lord, I think I’m strong enough. I am really good. Truly. I promise!”
Oh, come on, I know you have thought exactly that. You would not be human if you didn’t. Personally, I go through this a lot. Why? I have control issues. I think I can fix everything all by myself without asking for help. So, for that reason, God throws me buckets of challenges to force me to ask for help. Still, it takes me a good while before I throw myself into God’s arms.
I used to be very good at it. I never had a problem letting go of my challenges and placing them in His hands. Twenty-four years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My two eldest babies were only 22 months and 3 months old. I was devastated for a bit. Then, I remembered who I was. No one, not anything, was going to take me away from my babies, my husband, and the rest of my family. I gave it up to God.
Most people didn’t even know I had cancer. Even now, most don’t. I never took ownership of the disease. I never let it define me even though I am considered an anomaly because I have only had two years in the past twenty four in which I was 100% cancer free. Last week, my doctor said it’s time again for extensive testing. He said “better to be safe than sorry.” Paraphrased, of course.
So, once again, I face an impending battle. It is not my only, but probably the most important right now. I’ve been up every night reading to see if there have been any medical changes regarding my type of cancer. While doing so, it came to me that I should share my story with all of you. God reminded me that every time I have faced that battle, He has always been with me.
If He has been with me for this battle, why wouldn’t He be with me for all of the rest. Honestly, I’ve gone blank. Can’t think of a reason. In my research, I did come across the scripture in Proverbs 31:25 that states: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This is my intention. No matter what the challenge I am equipped to handle it with strength and dignity.
I want you to know that I haven’t totally embraced letting go. I still suffer from that control issue thing and a thickhead. But, you know how God works, He had to send me another message. My son walked in my office and I caught glimpse of his bicep tattoo. Joshua 1:9!!! Remember that you, too, are strong and courageous. We all are with God. He is with us!
Oh My Soul
Casting Crowns
Oh, my soul
Oh, how you worry
Oh, how you’re weary, from fearing you lost control
This was the one thing, you didn’t see coming
And no one would blame you, though
If you cried in private
If you tried to hide it away, so no one knows
No one will see, if you stop believing
Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There’s a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
‘Cause you’re not alone
Here and now
You can be honest
I won’t try to promise that someday it all works out
‘Cause this is the valley
And even now, He is breathing on your dry bones
And there will be dancing
There will be beauty where beauty was ash and stone
This much I know
Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There’s a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
I’m not strong enough, I can’t take anymore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
And my shipwrecked faith will never get me to shore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
Can He find me here
Can He keep me from going under
Oh, my soul
You’re not alone
There’s a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
‘Cause you’re not alone
Oh, my soul, you’re not alone
Songwriters: JOHN MARK HALL,BERNIE HERMS
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC,Universal Music Publishing Group
For non-commercial use only.
Data from: LyricFind
