Thursday, October 2, 2014

~ "Rejoicing..."

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer..." (Rom 12:12)

This is twice in one week that the verse speaks directly to me.  Today, my friend will be undergoing surgery to remove both breasts.  Her cancer was diagnosed through a mammogram this past summer and treatment began immediately.

Here in the United States, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We sport pink ribbons and make donations to cancer research.  We encourage everyone to have their yearly mammogram.  We stand up and take notice!  Far too many people have died from this dreaded disease.

This verse reminds us to be joyful, rejoicing, shouting our longing to be cleansed by the power of the Holy Spirit; to spend eternity with our Lord and King! In our times of trouble, we are encouraged to be patient, for God's plan truly is one that will be revealed to us in his time.  And finally, continuing to pray - for courage, for strength, for peace - without ceasing!

Take a moment and thank God for all the things you have - both your blessings and your blights.  They both come from God and are intended to be positive, not negative.  Take what you are given in joy, be patient and pray!  God has brought you to it - he will bring you through it!