I ended the call and cried. Shoulders shaking, my face fell into my hands. God is so good.
These were tears of joy. Hard-fought, but rightly won, joy.
Someone I loved dearly was in the fight of his life. And true to himself, he quietly assured others that if this disease ended in death, he was ready to meet Jesus. That he had “lived a blessed life” How like him to place others’ feelings above his own.
After his diagnosis, he had undergone radical surgery trying to save his life. I witnessed his faith as he recovered and I prayed daily, God let him live. But God, if You chose not to heal him this side of heaven, please don’t let him suffer.
But weeks later, my deep concern was replaced with tremendous joy. No disease remained.
It was the best possible news we could hear.
God, thank You. Those two possible words can’t be enough to unload and untangle my emotions. My joy. My tears of excitement and disbelief.
When I could finally settle myself, I came back to the place I often abide: talking to Jesus, telling Him what burdens my heart. I found He loves to listen and let me verbalize my thoughts. As I draw silent in wonder, and listen for His response, I am at peace because I have unburdened my soul.
Most days, that is the only joy I have, that once again I have opened my heart wide and let Jesus in. I identified what hurts and asked Him to carry it.
I trust He will find the impossible, inconceivable solution, the one that has evaded me day and night.
He has taught me to trust Him. Indeed, His blessings are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
He got me through another day.
He helped me speak love and patience where what I felt was frustration and fright.
He supplied the energy when my body wanted nothing more than to sleep.
He comforted me as only He can, and waited with me until I had an idea how this story may end.
Jesus, I have praised You in the storm. I have praised You when it went all wrong. And God, thank You, that today, it went very, very right. Those aggressive cells did not stand a chance against You.
I know You are always on Your throne, no matter what. Today, more people have seen that truth because of what You have done.
Thank You, God, for the healing of my family member. Remind me to tell this story over and over again.
Dear Reader, I truly pray that you also have something to celebrate today. But I have lived long enough to know it’s unlikely we are all in that celebratory state at the same moment. May I encourage you? God is there in the midst of the wait. He is there when it doesn’t go as we might author. Please, respond and let me and others lift you in prayer. Jesus is there when two or more call on Him, and I promise to do just that.
Even if you don’t get to read your chapter ending today, may the joy of unloading your burdens be yours now.
Prayer: Lord, You know. You know what burdens we each carry and how You will lift them. Please bring the peace that passes understanding and joy of Your presence to all who desperately need Your comfort right now. God we praise You in the storm. We praise you in the final chapter. God as long as I have breath, let me forever praise You. In Jesus’ name, amen.