Saturday, June 19th marked the 4th year I have been alive since being given a cancer diagnosis in Honduras. I can hardly believe the amount of “change” our family has endured! Today as I am writing I am reflecting on the very truth that not only am I alive–I am still feeling good (most of the time), I am still seeing improvements with my body’s functions, and I am having more good days than bad. These are all things to celebrate. Ovarian Cancer may still be in my body, but my God is still in control!! Can I get an Amen?
Today’s Moment 2 Meditate Challenge is one of my favorites because I absolutely love listening to music. The challenge for Chapter 4 was to find a song that speaks to your heart and helps you to trust in Jesus. In my book, Trusting God When Life Gives You Crap, I shared about Nicole C. Mullins’ song “Redeemer“. When I was first diagnosed and was beginning chemo at Mayo, I would listen to this song because it reminded me that God had the power to give the cancer boundaries. He could say to the cancer, “you may only go this far and no farther.” The words from the song would flow over me and build hope within my soul.
Today I want to share with you a song I hope will help you to feel the mighty presence of God when you are going through a situation way bigger than yourself. It’s a song I recently discovered, but I found it right when I needed it– when I was experiencing some doubts in my life. Yep–really big doubts and fears creep into my mind! I spend time shooing them out and telling them they are not welcome, but like unwanted mail or phone solicitations they keep showing up unannounced asking me to invite them in. I have to work really hard at winning the mind battle because sometimes it is way easier to give in and let the fear and doubts win.
The song is “No Fear” by Kari Jobe and it is from her Blessings Album (2020). You can listen to it below. Yes, I know it is 9 minutes long but I promise it will help calm your fears and redirect your doubts to THE ONE who can overcome ANYTHING! It is based on Hebrews 12:1-3(NLT) which says,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”
After reading my devotional for today which is based on 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP), I felt like this was the perfect song to share on the M2M Challenge for Chapter 4.
God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear! Nope! Never will!
He does give us the spirit of Power, Love, Sound Judgment and Personal Discipline. (based on the AMP) Other translations use these words: calm, sound mind, wise discretion, self-control, wisdom, good judgment, etc. I think these words help solidify the meaning.
We do not need to fear A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G!
BECAUSE we have God’s Power, God’s Love, God’s Sound Judgment, and God’s Personal Discipline in us. They have been gifted to us and we have to choose to let these override the FEAR that comes from the Deceiver!
I know we will all have moments when we give into these fears and doubts–but we have to constantly turn our eyes back to God and HIS Abilities and HIS Gifts.
Don’t give up hope–even if you hear news you were not expecting!
He has the perfect plan for each of our lives.
We can TRUST in the One who loves us, fights for us, empowers us, molds us, grows us and cares for us!
