Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Oh Yes, You Can!

Ever have one of those days (or weeks) that feels like you’re crawling through quicksand?
When accomplishing seemingly simple tasks seems insurmountable and your efforts to move forward are met with small annoyances and inconveniences that threaten to test  your stamina to the breaking point?
At times like this you may be tempted to throw up your hands and shout out  “I quit, I give up! I can’t do this! ”  Or elicit the primal scream, “aghhhhhhhhhh!”
I had a day like that last week. In an attempt to move forward physically in my life ..I was met with a sudden blow. 
No seriously.
Here’s the scenario....It was a cold and rainy day (no, really) I had gone to the gym and was carrying a water bottle with me. I had my hands full with other things and when I entered, the bottle slid out of my hand and I went chasing it like a dog after a duck.
Having retrieved it, I stood up...fast..( I mean c’mon I’m at the gym, we’re supposed to look cool right? ha ha!)
On doing so, I had completely forgot that there was a very solid wood counter under which I had ventured in my high speed water bottle chase.
But my head instantly reminded me ..
Now........I have hit my head a lot in my life (no comments, ok?)
But I have never heard it say “cruuunnccchhh”.
After a few dazed moments hand to head revealed the bloody truth.
Grabbing a wet paper towel, I headed out to my car to drive home and had a meltdown.
I mean seriously, all I need now is a cracked head!
After assessing the damage, Robert came home and drove me to the ER.
After triage, I was walked down the hallway and put in the very same room that I had been on Aug.29th. The day they discovered the mass in my lung.
I just looked at Robert and said, “well maybe that was the beginning and this is symbolic of end.”
After a normal CT scan, I was on my way home, battered and bruised, but otherwise in tact.
The next day, I just felt overwhelmed.
As I began to sink into the pit of despond, I had a thought..”Are you gonna fight or what?”
That thought energized me and I was reminded of a statement that Lenya Heitzg had made on her blogsite when she began to lose her hair due to chemo.
“I am not a victim, I am a victor!”
I believe this mentality is essential for us as Christians.
Beginning a study in the book of Joshua reminded me that though God GAVE Israel the land before them through His promise to Abraham, they had to go in and take it. Fight to get it and to keep it! Still to this very day.
Its the same with us. God has given us great and precious promises in His Word that are not for the chosen few, but for every single believer in Christ.
They are not trite notions simply meant to hang on a wall or a adorn a coffee mug. No. These promises are our ammunition as we wage war on fear, doubt or any other enemy that would keep us from having everything that God has freely granted us in Christ

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us”. 2 Cor. 1:20
When people used to talk about fighting cancer I was unsure what they meant, I mean beyond doing what is medically and physically available how do you ”fight” it? 
By mustering up a strong will or a positive attitude? By reciting “Yes I can, Yes I can” ?
Though these things may be helpful temporarily, they often fade with the circumstances into the shadows of our frail humanity.
No. I can’t do all things. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
I have found that I fight by clinging to Him. By resting In His arms. By trusting in His Word and His power. He is a mighty Warrior and I’m proud to be in His army.
(Sorry Dad, I mean Marine Corp. My Dad is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines. Booyah!)
Today, whatever invader you are facing that tries to rob you of the joy, peace and all surpassing love and care of your Father God, fight back by refusing to believe those fear driven threats. Instead arm yourself with His arsenal of powerful promises.
Now, if you feel so led, help out your fellow comrades on the front lines by posting your favorite promise from the Bible.
Here’s one to get us started:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 
Joshua 1:9
  • I saw my doctor yesterday. I am to continue on the medication, as I am currently.
I have another PET scan on Feb 9th. As always, I covet and am so very grateful  for you staying in the fight with me with your prayers!

7 comments:

  1. I Peter 1:3-9, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has begotten us again unto a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the trial of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls." Praise God, in the end of it all, His salvation will be our end! Cathy T.

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  2. Lisa - that is a good one that you posted. Sorry about your head. It is like what I did to my foot by falling down the stairs - not long after surgery while I was getting radiation. Yikes!

    I like this one too from Philippians 3:"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
    Our lives are hid with God in Christ so there is nothing to do but keep pressing on.
    I do hope the end of your trial with cancer comes soon.
    Cherrie

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  3. Sweet Lisa, so many promises, this one comes to mind... 2 Corinthians 12:9 " My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

    We are Princess Warriors!!! We are delightfully called to be courageous! We are faithfully standing, fighting right next to you! Praying always! We love you Lisa!

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  4. Lisa,

    Praying for your speedy recovery!

    Revelation 21:1-4

    And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

    ♥ Jeannie

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  5. This made me laugh and cry...cry because He is so good, to insure our complete victory- when we FIGHT!...and I cannot stop laughing at the "dog after a duck comment"...but it's OK, I know you'll forgive me. Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

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  6. Lisa, This verse really spoke to me today. I am facing many giant these last few days.Deuteronomy 31;6 "Be strong and of good courage,do not fear nor be afraid of them: for the Lord your God ,He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Praying with and for you Love Irma

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  7. Here is an oldie but a goodie for you! "Run To The Battle" by Steve Camp
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7vLlciebH4
    Psalms 91 is one of my favorite scriptures when fear hits or I am in the midst of a battle! Just picture the size of the Almighty Gods shadow! WOW!
    I am standing with you in prayer!
    Love and Blessings to you and your family,
    Barbara

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