STRESS BUSTER #8: ENLISTING IN GOOD CAUSES
THE RENOVARÉ SPIRITUAL FORMATION BIBLE (NRSV) points out that following the path of God does not guarantee that life will be free of pain and hardship, but rejecting His way is a sure recipe for ruin. George Mason of the Wilshire Baptist Church ruefully refers to this as a desire for a “Witness Protection Program.”
I’M REMINDED OF THIS while initialing the many disclosure pages of what for me will be a third cancer trial. How I’d love the dots between faithfulness and the outcome I want for this trial to be so neatly connected that I know I’m doing the right thing. This is not the time for an impulse decision. The road ahead will not be smooth . . . and there are no assurances.
THE BOOK OF JOB REMINDS ME that this is just the way life in the faith is. A good dose of prayer and meditation has convinced me that this challenge to the disease I share with so many others—none of us willingly—is one I need to undertake. I sign my name on the last page. God has not promised me an easy way. He’s promised that I won’t be alone, and, He’s promised that irrespective of the outcome of what I’m about to do, I will be saved.
ALONG THE WAY, IF A CURE FOR MELANOMA can be found, or if the mysteries of the immune system can be further unlocked, so much the better. If not, I haven’t lost. I’m a winner either way.
DON’T GET ME WRONG. I’ll admit to a selfish nature. I’ll admit I’d like to be well.
BUT, I ALSO HAVE A FULFILLMENT AND PEACE I can’t explain from enlisting in what I believe is the right thing. Too bad I haven’t signed up for more good causes than I have before now.
You’re blessed. Be a blessing!
I’M REMINDED OF THIS while initialing the many disclosure pages of what for me will be a third cancer trial. How I’d love the dots between faithfulness and the outcome I want for this trial to be so neatly connected that I know I’m doing the right thing. This is not the time for an impulse decision. The road ahead will not be smooth . . . and there are no assurances.
THE BOOK OF JOB REMINDS ME that this is just the way life in the faith is. A good dose of prayer and meditation has convinced me that this challenge to the disease I share with so many others—none of us willingly—is one I need to undertake. I sign my name on the last page. God has not promised me an easy way. He’s promised that I won’t be alone, and, He’s promised that irrespective of the outcome of what I’m about to do, I will be saved.
ALONG THE WAY, IF A CURE FOR MELANOMA can be found, or if the mysteries of the immune system can be further unlocked, so much the better. If not, I haven’t lost. I’m a winner either way.
DON’T GET ME WRONG. I’ll admit to a selfish nature. I’ll admit I’d like to be well.
BUT, I ALSO HAVE A FULFILLMENT AND PEACE I can’t explain from enlisting in what I believe is the right thing. Too bad I haven’t signed up for more good causes than I have before now.
You’re blessed. Be a blessing!
posted by Chronic Hope at 1:39 PM
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