In a tragedy, it is sometimes easier to believe in God because there is no choice if you want to live. Although it was hard, God helped me through cancer in a miraculous way. My body was the battleground of a chemo, radiation, and Stage 4 cancer war. I was desperate and relied on God, and it helped. Daily life challenges can be complex. I’ve recently had several projects come to a head, leaving me with too many things done without enough time to do it all. The normal shallow breathing and lightheadedness reminded me of those cancer days. I realized that I was on the verge of panic.
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
Psalm 54:4
This Isn’t Cancer
You would think I could deal with anything after dealing with stage 4 cancer. It doesn’t work that way, because it wasn’t me carrying the weight. It’s humbling to admit but it’s the truth, I’m not that strong on my own. I dealt with Stage 4 cancer because I had God’s help. So as I was sprinting from task to task, I would lean on the scripture Psalm 54:4; “The Lord is my helper.” I made it more personal (and powerful) and started praying; You are my help.
God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Cutting Bait
The more I prayed, the more I asked him for the miracle I needed to get things done. I kept going, kept believing, and kept praying. The prayer for wisdom for the ability and decisiveness to find shortcuts came true. I began to have His help and wisdom and saw certain things that weren’t important that I deemed paramount in my panicked state. Slowly I saw them as insignificant as they were, and as they say in Texas, I “cut bait” on them. I was walking David’s Psalm 61:2; I felt I was out there alone at the ends of the earth, trying to get it all done. He led me to the rock, to the thoughts and wisdom that go beyond my natural ability. I got it all done.
From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak;
Psalm 61:2
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help].
Quiet Miracles
This week I have a buffet of things on my overfilled but joyful plate, and I will continue to lean on him to give me wisdom, find priorities, give me focus, help and get me through it well. Another scripture that helps in times of trouble is Philippians 3:14; I quote it to myself when my heart is overwhelmed and when I need perspective and help. When I look back, I did do the impossible; it was a quiet miracle like Jesus multiplying the few loaves and fish for 5,000 people. He didn’t show it off; just simply blessed the bread and they all got fed. I thank Him for these quiet miracles and pray for wisdom to finish this short race in a way that pleases him.
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Philippians 4:13
Prayer
God, I pray for the people reading this post and for myself. Help us find the Rock in our stresses and situations. No matter how difficult of a situation we are in, help us to see that You are a very present help in our trouble. Bless the reader and their week. Let them know You will walk with them each step of the way when they invite You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
