"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10 NIV)
In one passage in John, Mary and Martha come running to Jesus, asking Him to heal Lazarus, who was critically ill. Since Lazarus was a good friend of Jesus, I’m sure they were expecting that Jesus would come immediately to his aid. The scripture says, however, that “Jesus stayed two more days in the place where He was.” It was in those two days that Lazarus died. It’s so hard to understand why it is that God waits to do the things we ask of Him. It’s good for us to remember, though, that He has His purposes for waiting. God was about to teach everyone involved a much deeper lesson. As Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He made sure they all understood that He is the resurrection and the life for all who believe.
This week I have been keeping this Bible story in the forefront of my mind as another good friend of mine succumbed to cancer. I have fought my initial response, which is one of "why her, why now?" I don't know what His purpose is in taking my friend Theresa home to be with Him - but I know He does. She is now free of pain and cancer and no doubt rejoicing with Him.
As I inch closer to my own death, I pray that I have the courage and strength to accept the path that He has chosen for me on this illness journey. I am positive it is preordained and already mapped out, yet it is left for me to discover hour by hour and day by day. For me, who has no patience with myself, this is a particular challenge. The challenge is keeping myself focused on the deeper lesson He wants me to learn through this illness.
While each of our individual paths may differ on how we get to Him, for all of us, whatever our illness, we must trust and rely on His words, "Do not be afraid.....be still and know that I am God."
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days
Hi Denny,
I have lived in Buck's County, PA and in Montgomery County, PA, and currently live in Lancaster, PA and I just wondered where in PA you live?
In Christian Love, Barb
Posted by: Barb | August 06, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Thank you for the blessing you are to all of us. God has and is using you to shine His light into the hearts and lives of all who know you through these devotionals. May He continue to keep you in His care and wrap His loving arms around you.
God bless!
Posted by: Mary | July 21, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Thank you for the inspiration you are to us all. God has used and is using you to bless others.
May He continue to keep you in His care and wrap His loving arms around you daily.
God bless!
Posted by: Mary | July 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
easier said than done :-)
Posted by: Courtney | July 21, 2008 at 02:14 AM