Good morning, precious family and friends. I have been struggling for the past five weeks. I’ve felt pretty beat up by life. There is nothing that we are going through that has been worse than Paul’s cancer, it’s just that it’s been on top of it! We’ve put our son’s beloved dog down because he bit someone, and we’re dealing with the ramifications of that. A family member came for a visit and brought stress and strife. And this past chemo treatment was very difficult on Paul. I’ve felt like I’ve been kicked repeatedly in the stomach.
Did any of what has happened catch God by surprise? No…in fact, He has allowed each and every hardship for GOOD! Weeks ago, I was writing in my quote book from a devotional, which said, AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD. Romans 8:28
Can we truly trust that when God says all He means ALL? Yes, I believe He does mean ALL things work together for good. How, when, why is not ours to figure out. What we do during the tough stuff is of importance to God. I’ve stumbled, mumbled, cried, felt numb…and yet, I know with ALL that is in me, that I serve a loving God that is not cruel. He is good to ALL He has made.
As I sat this morning to read my Psalm passage for the day, this is what it said—MY SOUL IS WEARY WITH SORROW; STRENGTHEN ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. (Psalm 119:28) The note below in my Bible references this verse and says, God’s Word…the hope of his life. God’s Word is my anchor, my very sure foundation, the one thing I stake my life on.
Then my Old Testament reading was in Habakkuk 3. Verses 18-19 say—YET WILL I REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL BE JOYFUL IN GOD MY SAVIOR. THE SOVEREIGN LORD IS MY STRENGTH; HE MAKES MY FEET LIKE THE FEET OF A DEER, HE ENABLES ME TO GO ON THE HEIGHTS.
Right when I’ve needed it, God’s Word strengthens me. Have I felt weak. You bet. Is there ONE I can lean on who will strengthen me, day by day by day? I’m sure of it. A few days ago I thought about the importance of not being a spiritual “wimp”. In our culture we want the way of comfort, ease, pleasure, lightheartedness. But life is difficult. Storms will come to ALL of us, at one point or another. If we’ve never learned how to turn to the Lord with our daily struggles, how on earth will we be able to handle the really tough issues? And what will be our witness to others if we fall apart at the first sign of hardship?
He is there for us, through the good and the hard times, with gentleness, love, guidance. And we each must make knowing Him our highest priority. THEN whether it’s sunny or stormy, we walk ALL our days with Him, the One who knows us, and ALL that is ahead of us, and will lead us on this journey.
ALL in the Thesaurus says—completely, totally, wholly, entirely. May ALL of my life be a reflection of who I am in You. Yes, Lord.
Paul had his CT scan yesterday. We are confidently waiting to hear the results. And assuming the chemo regimen won’t be changed, he will start his fourth of six treatments this Thursday. We appreciate and are counting on your prayers. Thank you for your faithfulness.
In Christ’s love,
Diana
July 16, 2008 at 3:30 am |
Diana-You are an amazing person, a friend who God has placed in my life to speak truth into my life when I need it. Thank you for opening up your heart and sharing God’s truths with me. I think of you and Paul all the time, and I pray for you both. I watched a Tivo’d Joyce Meyer program today and she said that the sign of spiritual maturity is that you can remain calm no matter what is going on. When I see you, I see a spiritually mature person. You have spoken and written God’s truths, no matter what has happened in your life. May God continue to give you the strength you need, and may God continue to heal Paul….in Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Love, Teri
July 18, 2008 at 1:55 am |
Hi Di
You need to start running and lock your doors.
luv ya
July 22, 2008 at 3:12 pm |
Hi you two,
It sounds like it has been pretty rough lately. We sure hope things are getting better. People sometimes get caught up in their own little world and don’t give a thought to what someone else is going through. You are both very strong people and will rise above with God’s help.
We are in Cloverdale, OR until the 18th of August. We are selling our wares at a flea market on Hwy 101 (The Red Barn). The weather has been beautiful. It was too hot and too smokey to stay home.
Our prayers go out to you daily.
Love,
Dorrie & Ron
July 25, 2008 at 5:02 pm |
Paul and Di,
I miss you so much. I sure wish we were neighbors again. I am so sorry for your loss of Thor.
This year has dealt moments of, “There can’t possibly be one more thing,” and then there was. Although our circumstances don’t compare with what you two are facing, it did feel like I was going to break. It is amazing how just at that breaking point the LORD sweeps in and keeps us from going under. He is faithful; He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. Did you know you could bear this much? I love, love, love you. The LORD is kind and gentle and I am finding Him patient in working out His healing. I pray for some time of restful floating on the sea of His grace, when you don’t feel the need to struggle to keep your head above water.
Becky
July 28, 2008 at 2:56 pm |
Dear Diana and Paul,
Any words I might write would seem too insignificant. So I continue to join you and the host of friends and family who support you in prayer. Many are benefiting from the fruit you are bearing in the garden of your life. It is glorifying to God that you’re abiding in The Vine and I know He will faithfully continue to hold you to close to Himself.
Love, Toni
August 4, 2008 at 1:40 pm |
Dear Diana,
I do not know if my last reply will be seen by you. I think I submitted it under a date in June from your blog. So, I wanted to try and send it again under your latest entry date.
Love, Toni
Dear Wimber Family,
Today I found a Fannie Crosby hymn that I pray will encourage you whenever you may need it. The music can be heard at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/l/allwbwel.htm
Only Thy presence, O Savior divine,
Only Thy Spirit to witness with mine;
Only Thine image of love on my breast,
Seal of forgiveness, assurance of rest.
Refrain
What tho’ the billows like mountains may swell;
All will be well; yes, all will be well;
Under Thy shadow in peace I shall dwell;
All, all will be well.
Only Thy presence to lead me aright,
Out of the darkness and into the light;
Only a whisper to tell Thou art near,
Only Thy sunshine to banish my fear.
Refrain
Only Thy presence when trials I bear,
Lifting so gently my burden of care;
Only Thy presence to show me the way,
Home to the mansions of infinite day.
Refrain
Only Thy presence when wild is the gale,
Only Thy presence when rent is my sail;
Only Thy presence my vessel to guide
Into the harbor and over the tide.
Refrain