I Choose To...

I CHOOSE TO...

Be still and know that He is God.

Not fear death or my current diagnosis. Being fearful doesn’t change anything.

Fall at the feet of Jesus and pray for healing, because He is bigger than any diagnosis.

Remain hopeful that my MRI results will not be a precursor to diminishing health and/or to surgery.

Cling to the Word when times are tough, because the Word brings comfort.

Trust the Lord through adversity, because He holds the entire universe in His hands.

Love the blessings that have come from my diagnosis.

Remain confident in this: I have seen the goodness of the Lord.

Rest at night knowing His will is being done in my life.

Pray that the Lord be glorified, wherever my path leads.

Believe that His plan is perfect, even when it doesn’t match my plans.

Embrace all the learning opportunities God allows in my life.

Maintain perspective that this earthly life is temporary and my eternal home is in heaven.

Have faith that when my days on earth are done, I will rejoice in heaven.

The past few weeks have been filled with emotional ups and downs. The fact is, I am afraid. I have a doctor’s appointment in five days to discuss my most recent MRI. Once again, my future can change in a moment. All it takes is one conversation behind the closed doors of a small, uncomfortable doctor’s office and everything could be different.

I’m still learning complete dependence on the Lord but I am an A+ sinner so from time to time I fall into “fear mode” and lose perspective. All of my negative thinking revolves around FEAR.

Most of the time, I am too busy to fixate on the negative thoughts that creep in like a heavy wind and suck the life out of me. But once or twice a day, if I sit still long enough (like when I’m waiting at a red light), the thoughts take over.

“What am I going to do??? It can’t be growing back already! I am only two years out of surgery! I cannot have two brain surgeries before Tuesday even starts kindergarten. I just can’t! My head is still partially numb from the first surgery. I just can’t fathom going through it again, so soon. I was hoping I would have ten years or so in between surgeries. This just isn’t right.” My hearts sinks quickly when this thought process starts.

So I take advantage of that moment of stillness and remember that the Bible says “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

The application of this verse is simple. STOP what you are doing and focus on The Lord and His Word. How appropriate for us to be still in moments like those, to reverently honor Him and His power and His majesty! I have to remind myself to take time each day to be still and exalt God. He can provide strength in any circumstance. I know I can turn to Him for truth and encouragement in my life.

And then the red light changes to green and, like a soft breeze, the Holy Spirit has encouraged me.

Whatever you are going through, remember you have a choice in how you react to your situation. Life is all about the choices we make. The Lord can bless us tremendously when we choose to live life under His provision and direction. I know the Lord does not desire for me to spend the next five days fearing what news I will get or pondering all of the “what ifs” of my situation. He desires for me to trust Him and to allow Him to carry my burdens. He desires for me to fall at the feet of Jesus and pray.

Praying is not an easy thing to do. Human nature means that we’d rather worry than pray. As Ann Voskamp points out, “Worry is the façade of taking action when prayer really is.” I always want to take real action.
I pray that He would heal me and give me years on earth to raise my children. I pray that He would bring comfort to me when I am afraid. I pray that He would provide excellent medical care and give my doctors wisdom if a plan of action becomes necessary. I pray that He be glorified through my journey and that you may be encouraged.

Whatever your “struggle” in life is that you are going through, whether it be an unplanned pregnancy, unemployment, illness, marital strife or any of the other dozens of challenges life can throw at you, take it to the Lord! Don’t let fear take over.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

Let me assure you—this does not come easy for me, a person who likes to control the things in my life! But I had to give my current situation over God. I know He is able to carry you through the fire, too. He created everything on this earth—the sun, the moon, the stars—and He knows the number of hairs on your head……and yet we don’t trust Him with our problems??? He is our redeemer and He alone can heal anything you are going through. IF you allow Him to, He will be your friend, your comforter, your answer and your calm in the storm. The Lord is ever-present, available day or night—all you have to do is call on Him.

Friends, there is no need to worry and no need to be fearful. The Lord’s plan for your life doesn’t involve worry or fear. Whatever your “struggle” in life is, take it to the Lord and He will care for you.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)