Sometimes the most incredible letters in the world arrive in my email box. This is from a woman in New Zealand who has found her life in Christ despite incredibly desperate circumstances. I know of no greater miracle than when Jesus’ life holds someone close enough to himself in the worst of circumstances that they find songs of joy in the darkest night:
February this year after 6 weeks of jaundice (and all its nasty side effects) I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and told there was no medical hope for me. But hope is what I have, because hope comes from my newfound deeper relationship with an amazing heavenly Father. As I was bombarded with a lot of advice I felt the Lord continue to say’ trust in Me’. When I was trying to figure out whether I should change my diet, again, it was still ‘Trust in Me’. When things got hard for me to understand I found the answer. I had the answer: “Christ in you, the hope of Glory’. So I am not striving but am living in this day our Father has given me. The first 8 verses of Proverbs 3 regularly remind me what (he asks) of me.
I am in no way musical but I now have a song in my heart, and find myself singing songs I learned when I was first saved. They tend to be Scripture in song and full of praise.
As a family we have been out of institutionalized fellowship for about 18 years but this year we have truly experienced being part of the body of Christ. When I was diagnosed my husband wanted to call the elders and anoint me with oil and pray. Our first question was ‘who are the elder’ but it soon became clear they were other believers that fit the Bible’s requirements. What a joy for my 4 children (16 to 22 years) to experience the fellowship in our home of elder men that expressed this deep love for their mother, father and themselves. I have met people from all over who have told me they are praying for me, that is an overwhelming humbling experience.
I would never have put my hand up for cancer but I wouldn’t trade all the wonder and joy I have experienced knowing the Good Shepherd is looking after me, and especially that as a family we are hearing his voice and following him.
Wow, what inspiration! I love it when people are talking about what God is actually doing in their lives, instead of what the Bible says that God can do. Jesus does not want to bring us hope, instead he wants us to understand that he is hope. He is all loving, all merciful, and is all inclusive! New Zealand woman, thank you for your heart.
–Jason
Wow, what inspiration! I love it when people are talking about what God is actually doing in their lives, instead of what the Bible says that God can do. Jesus does not want to bring us hope, instead he wants us to understand that he is hope. He is all loving, all merciful, and is all inclusive! New Zealand woman, thank you for your heart.
–Jason
"I am in no way musical but I now have a song in my heart, and find myself singing songs I learned when I was first saved."
The beauty in that is amazing. Tears of joy.
"I am in no way musical but I now have a song in my heart, and find myself singing songs I learned when I was first saved."
The beauty in that is amazing. Tears of joy.