As you read this blog today and throughout the rest of my mom's Breast Cancer treatment, you will notice a small pink Breast Cancer ribbon in the top left hand corner of each picture. It is a request and reminder for you, my Daily Cup family, to take a quick moment to pray and give God thanks for my mother's healing. In the midst of our family's joyfulness and gratefulness to God for allowing mom to discover the cancerous lump in its earliest stage, we know treatment can be a long and difficult process. But we are all believing God to hold our hands through this, the way He always does.
Last night, after my husband, the children and I left my mom Annie's house, we couldn't stop smiling. She's doing so well after her Breast Cancer surgery. Despite some soreness, she was up and about kissing a house full of grandchildren, taking calls from friends and family, and telling me, along with my sisters and brothers who were visiting also, how appreciative she is to God for His grace in this season. Seeing her dimpled cheeks light up and her eyes twinkle with happiness, felt like an early Christmas present.
One poignant moment stood out for me last night at mom's house. She was sitting in bed talking about how she is in awe of God's love, grace and mercy toward her. As she fought back tears, my sweet mother told me all about how things could have been different. "God has been so good Dianna," she said wiping her eyes. "I owe Him everything. And when I feel better, I'm gonna lay prostrate before Him right down here on this floor and worship."
As she talked, I felt the presence of God in the room. I could sense the depth of her thankfulness as she spoke. And it made me reflect back on how I almost lost my own life two months ago. But here I sit, telling of the goodness of God. And even though my arm still presents some challenges for me, the worst is over and God is worthy to be praised.
Sometimes I find myself worshiping and crying throughout the day, thinking about the fragility of life and how God, by His grace, spared mine! I'm humbled that the Lord would snatch me from the grip of death and tell me, "Keep on living. I've got a work for you to do!"
His grace moves me to worship.
And I'm sure you can think back over your life and see how the hand of God has been with you. You can recall how He loved you through your lowest point, and how His mercy sustained you when you thought it was all over. That doesn't mean life is perfect and you don't have to deal with disappointment, hurt, and pain. You may be struggling through a test right now. Yet, if you stop for a second to think about what should have happened that didn't, negative and defeating thoughts will get swallowed up by thoughts of God's goodness. And you'll find yourself saying, "If had not been for the Lord who was on my side, I don't know where I would be!"
When I watch my mother worship in the face of impending Breast Cancer treatment, even with its vicious reputation for weakening, sickening, and wearing down its patients, her bold stance of faith and thanksgiving is contagious.
And today, I want you to catch hold of this too.
Whatever may be going on in your situation, take your eyes off what's bad. When you shift your focus, suddenly a beautiful picture of God's grace will emerge. Before you know it, your cares will fade away and you'll be lost in worship.
TODAY'S PRAYER: God, I worship You today in the midst of it all, because I know that my situation could have deteriorated into something far worse than this. Without Your grace and mercy, I would have been consumed, but You have sustained me through it all. That's why I'm pushing aside all thoughts of negativity, worry, and fear, and basking only in Your goodness. I give You glory today Lord, because without Your love and grace, I would be utterly desolate and destroyed. I love You so much. In Jesus' name, Amen.
