We are half way through my husband’s chemo treatments. Side effects are gradually increasing. Mark endures with God-given grace and strength. God is clearly in control of this cancer battle, and He is changing us as He holds us in his hands.
Six months ago as we anticipated surgery and chemo, I never imagined that we would be able to continue our annual tradition of family camp in the Piney Woods of East Texas. As the date approached and we prayed and considered ways to make it work, it became clear that God’s merciful plan would have us returning to Pine Cove for our 8th summer. What a sacred time of spiritual renewal and encouragement! We felt God’s love as the wonderful staff served us, enjoyed God’s beautiful creation, shared fellowship with God’s people, and were fueled by the word of God.
As we dove into God’s word, we saw for ourselves its power in our lives. “For the word of God is alive and active.” Hebrews 4:12 Familiar passages took on new meaning as we saw them in our current condition. We were encouraged to REMEMBER. We remembered our Godly heritage and identified by name those spiritual mentors that led and encouraged us in Christ. We reminded our children of God’s faithfulness in our past – how he has so clearly directed and provided for our family. We rejoiced in the fact that our youngest child has now clearly professed his trust in Christ as our Savior and will soon be baptized.
We also learned about the suffering that many of our camp friends had endured over the course of the last year and heard of God’s faithfulness in their lives. We are clearly not alone in our suffering. We were reminded to look at trials and suffering as God’s severe mercy giving us a chance to grow deeper in Him and teach our children to trust Him and point others to Christ.
The day we returned from camp my daughter and I were involved in a car accident. I did not remain “alert” and the enemy saw a chance to slither in. My mind was distracted by many things not the least of which fatigue, and I unknowingly ran a stop light. My brain saw green, but I now believe it was the green light for the lane next to mine. God’s severe mercy prevented injuries, and his providence now calls for a new vehicle. In the hours that followed, I resisted Satan’s attempts to send me spirits of guilt, despair and sorrow. I clearly put a name to those emotions, recognized that they were not of God and stood firm against them. Satan will not be allowed to get a stronghold in our lives! The words I had heard at camp about others’ sufferings and now the realization that I had let my guard down took me to this verse.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. “ I Peter 5:8-11
