Grace In Circumstances

     It has taken me a few days to decide what I wanted to post. Friends recovering from cancer, or facing surgery, anothers just died from cancer. Tuesday I learned that I need to go back in for an ultra sounds. Something on my mammogram needs a further exam. I'm not concerned but covet your prayers. I've been there before. This piece was written years ago when I had to go through a biopsy. I'm still learning about God's amazing grace daily. He often reminds me, "Only the circumstance is changing, I never change and I'm always here." When it comes to my physical, mental and emotional health, I can trust God no matter what. He has brought me through so very much. I pray one day I will have that deep faith in every area of my life. He is faithful and will be with me no matter the outcome. Go with me as I share about God's continuing grace in my life.


                                                      Grace In Circumstances

   For sometime now I have been learning and seeking to know more about the grace of God. Learning to die to the emotions and feelings of self and seeking those of Christ. If Christ is living in me, then my feelings, emotions, and attitude should be a reflection of Him. I have come so far in understanding grace but I also realize my journey of grace has just begun.
     Two scriptures have come to mean so much to me. First, Psalms chapter 46, Thanksgiving day 1998, a message by Charles Stanley. I've always stood firm in my beliefs in what God has for my life but, with that message, I realized I was standing firm with arrogance and rebellion in my heart. God began to use that message to change my heart and my love for others. I also realized that my emotional well being and feelings were not lining up with those of Christ. I will continue to seek God's grace to be and do what I cannot do alone.
   The second scripture, I Corinthians 15:58, steadfast and unmovable. We are very fortunate to have a pastor that has a love for other denominations. He has worked to bring the pastors together to pray for the work of God in our city and community. As he has often said, "There will be no denominations in heaven and we need to learn to get along here on earth."
     A revelations I had, life is not about me or anyone else and it is not about this world we live in. Life is about God being glorified in our daily lives. If what I am doing points to me and not God, I am out of line. If I cannot glorify God in everything I do, something is wrong. It doesn't matter if it is me or something effecting me, I should be able to glorify God in all things.
    The revelation that life is not about me became a reality a few weeks ago. I noticed I was very sore in my left breast and thought I felt a lump. I called my doctor and saw him the next day. He didn't find anything but sent me for a mammogram a few days later. The mammogram revealed a lump on the right side, not the left. and a biopsy would be needed. As I left the clinic a feeling of fear and panic came over me. But, my Lord reminded me, "Only the circumstance has changed, I am still God and I never change." Peace returned. I knew no matter the outcome, I would be OK. Can God be glorified in my health problems? Absolutely yes. As I sought for continued peace and direction from God, He reminded me, He had not left or forsaken me. He had not changed, only my circumstance had. I knew it was the love of God and support of my family and friends that would carry me through anything I had to face. Even though I have high blood pressure, I remained calm throughout the procedure. There was no cancer. God provides the grace  for any circumstance in our life.