Speaking of choosing new paths for a healthier life (see yesterday’s post), my sister Jane sent this photo from her hike in the Franklin Mountains. The sign gives a choice between taking the “more difficult” path to the right, or the “most difficult” path to the left. Jane observes, “I am reminded that the ‘easy’ path is not always an option, but our choice (our response) determines just how difficult the road ahead will be.”
What are the paths you’ve chosen to renew your mind daily? This is key to having victory over circumstances. We all know that the path of denial doesn’t work, and that the power of positive thinking, while helpful, doesn’t take us the whole distance.
Our personal experience is that meditating on the Word of God and talking with Him frequently is the only way that has brought us true renewal. New ways of thinking and responding to our circumstances have to become habitual. Even then, there will be struggles. This last week has been increasingly challenging for me, even at home. More tired, I push hard to walk 1/4 of what I did in the hospital and 60 days of gastrointestinal distress is taking its toll.
But when we take our eyes off our problems and focus instead on Jesus, our problems don’t take control.
I can’t imagine going through this cancer experience without enjoying a personal relationship with a loving God and the power He gives for victorious living throughout the storms life brings.
Even if you don’t know God or aren’t sure He exists, He welcomes your fellowship. Tell Him exactly how you feel. (Guess what…He already knows!) Whatever your position right now, the path to a renewing relationship is right before you. Whether it is “more difficult” or “most difficult,” walking with God is the best path you could choose. Even if you have walked a thousand steps away from God, it is just one step back to His loving arms.
Make good choices today!
“I am the way, the turth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus, John 14:6
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
Wonderful to know that you are at home. Keeping you in our family prayers. Carma.
I am glad to hear you are in remission Cousin. I am also glad that while you have been going through your own version of Job’s tribulations that you have continued to see that who you are being is still your choice. At every moment God gives us our life and there are things that we pay little attention to, things that are tragic and things that we are grateful for or ought to be. When we go to a buffet style restaurant and pay so we can grab out food we “own” whatever food is there for us. We “own” the brussels sprouts, the plain salads, the fancy ones, the more desirable vegetables, the meat, the cake, the pies, the ice cream…everything. It is ours to choose from. What do we load our plates with at that moment since it is all ours? When we load up our plates that is what we have…and not everything else that also exists that we “own” as long as we are still at the restaurant. You have clearly loaded up your plate with realizing that your family and the people you meet are a blessing, with knowing God and what a blessing having the Lord in our life is. While all the bad things have still been there and that is what you could have chose to load your plate with….you chose to load it up with something that matters, something that would give you peace, strength, comfort and even joy and gratitude leaving no room for all the stuff that would take away from everything that matters in life. Congratulations on your strength, your vision and your faith. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and to others. Your Cousin-Alan Daurie
Even on the right path I need to walk with care lest my foot slip. So thankful for all the prayers covering you both.