Another Chapter Closes

Bev and I met with her doctor yesterday. She finished her chemo rounds 3 weeks ago and last week had follow up tests.  When we discussed it all, he told her that further chemo was not needed, and that she would see him again in 3 months. He was positive about her progress. After leaving his office, we cried, our tears a mixture of release of tension and deep gratitude – to God for mercy, for friends who have prayed for us, for love of family so strong.  We are realistic about the kind of disease she had.  Her doctor was clear that the likelihood of recurrence is high, but we have learned to be thankful for this day; and this day was a good one!

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118:1, NIV)

"I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." (Psalm 118:13-14, NIV)

"I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done." (Psalm 118:17, NIV)

This chapter was written in sorrow. The valley was deep. I will not pretend it was easy.  Many nights eternity was near, mortality too obvious to ignore.  I am not sugarcoating the anguish when I say that our love for the Lord and one another grew deeper.  Knowing what I know today, would I choose the road we walked since March voluntarily?  I suppose the “Sunday School answer” would be yes, but I’m too human.  Though there are the blessings found in the dark caves we explored, I prefer happy! 

Yet, the suffering and uncertainty were not without meaning or purpose.  Paul’s words about his own time of anguish take new meaning to us.  He said of his experiences,  “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.  In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.”  (2 Cor. 1:8-11 NLT)

Have I learned anything?  I believe I have. 

1. I know better than ever that life here is short and Heaven is home!  Even with the close of this chapter, I know that in terms of this earthly life I have much more past than future!  I am loving life but can say “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21 NIV)

2. Sometimes all you can do is ‘hang on.’ Some days and nights stretched on endlessly. The old cliché about reaching the end of my rope, tying a knot, and hanging on came to mind. Was it faith or stubbornness?  God knows, but I pray it was faith anchored to the Rock of my Salvation. Even when there was no good road ahead the choice was to trust, to take a step, to go forward… and night yielded to day, time and again.

3. Friends are treasures. Solomon said  that "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)  Amen!  Oh, how we treasure the love of friends and family.

Here’s the word from the Word. It’s my song today.

"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."
(Psalm 34:1-10, NIV)

________________

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep my faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sov'reign hand will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine

Joel Houston | Matt Crocker | Salomon Ligthelm

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