Focus on the Known
Some things in life are unknown. Right now I’m facing the unknown of health concerns. After multiple tests, doctors still don’t know what is causing recent symptoms. I do have a list of what it is not. Whenever a test reveals that it is not something else I’m told it is good news. And I know that for the most part it is. But the difficult news remains that we don’t know what it is.
I thought of this post this morning, but decided not to write it because, frankly, I get tired of complaining about my health. I know there are a lot of people worse off than me, and I’m sure it gets old for others to hear about my various maladies.
Then I went to my list of blog subscriptions to see what others had posted for today. I clicked on a post by one of my favorite bloggers, Karla over at Out of Eden Ministries. The post was called “at the beginning going low.” She starts with a discussion of how Rahab the prostitute appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5, and goes on to talk about how God makes the insignificant into a significant part of His plan. Karla writes:
Phone calls and prayers and prostitutes and a scarlet cord and you, yes you. Your life, your love, your pain, your prayer, and your hunger for more. All significant in the plans and the hands of God.
I immediately knew I had to write this post after all, because although it starts with my insignificant struggle with pain and its unknown cause, it doesn’t end there. It ends with a focus on the known. What I thought of to write for today was how, even though I don’t know what is wrong with me, God does. And even more importantly, I know the truth of what God has revealed in His Holy Word. Here are some truths that I cling to, that I choose to focus on, as I face my insignificant struggles.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV).
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV).
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV).
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
My own struggles are light and momentary in the grand scheme of the universe and God’s plan. Though I will suffer a little while, Jesus will restore me and make me strong. He will use my sufferings for good in the big picture of His purpose. He has plans to prosper me spiritually, and He will faithfully fulfill this promise.
(You might be wondering why certain words are bolded in the above verses. These are the words I remember and that I used to find these verses on Biblegateway.com, since I seldom remember the actual chapter and verse of the scripture that I have stored up in my heart.)
Karla’s post made me realize that I needed to listen to the prompt in my spirit to post about my struggles and the known promises of God that I choose to focus on, because there just might be someone out there who is struggling too and needs to know that God is with them. If that happens to be you, then hold onto the promises of God and He will see you through.
Share this:
Hi Linda–Sorry I’ve been absent, and thank you for your visits to my blog. I wanted you to know I’m standing with you in prayer, that there will soon be a diagnosis which makes sense and can be successfully treated. I salute your strength and patience as you walk this road–and speaking for myself, I don’t get tired of hearing what’s going on–I honestly want to know, so that I have specific focus and direction for my prayers for you. I thank you for sharing–perhaps it will make it easier for me to be more open. Just wanted you to know I care–sending love and hugs. God bless you with HIS sufficiency today, and in the days ahead.
Caddo, No need to apologize! I appreciate any visits, but certainly don’t expect anyone to read all my posts. I know I haven’t kept up on reading other blogs like I’d like to either – seems life gets in the way of my blog reading. Your prayers and encouragement are such a blessing! 🙂 Peace, Linda
Not sure if you would get this at Broken Believers, but after reading your post I thought of this article for you:
http://shalom-candles.co.uk/551/place-of-healing/
Thank you. I will check it out. I do get comments at Broken Believers, too. Peace, Linda
Hold on to the Promises of God
Great post
Bless you
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments, encouragement, and prayers. God is good and has blessed me through all of you. Peace, Linda
Praying that you will soon be diagnosed and on the road to recovery, and peace to you in the mean time. I’m glad to know how to pray for you, and I’m grateful for your strength and the verses you stand on. Hugs to you, Linda…
Thinking of you, Linda, with love and prayers. I hate that it’s so hard right now. But I love this post, and how you moved from the unknown, to what you do know . . .His promises and His love for you. You encourage us even in your pain, by how you respond to Him. God bless you and heal you.
Praying for you, Linda
I’m sorry you’re not well, but I am happy that you decided to share your heart with us. If you try to carry a 100 pound burden on your own, you are carrying all 100 pounds. When you share, we help you carry it to Him and that lightens the load you have to bear.
I am standing in agreement with the prayers for your healing. May His name continue to be glorified in and through your experiences.
Peace and blessings,
ann
Linda
I know exactly where you are coming from. I have been in your place but know when in the pit of the unknown that God is still at work. For me, it was in that pit of the unknown when I learned more about myself, did soul searching and learned to listen to that still small voice even more.
In HIS time He will give you the answers you need.
Read Psalm 121 and allow these words carry you especially on the roughest of days.
You are in my prayers.
Love Hugs and Blessings
April
April, Thank you for the psalm suggestion. That is a great one. It is comforting to know He is watching over me. Peace, Linda
When the ‘low’ times happen to me. My heart reminds me of unknown mercies. Where would I have been today were I well. What road might I crossed so another car could strike me? What danger was I saved from while I was ‘low’ and out of the way? I don’t know. But God does.
and He works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. Best wishes to you for health and strength in good time.
Carolyn
So true. Thanks for the reminder that He is in control of the big picture. Peace, Linda
Your pain is not insignificant, but I know what you mean. We are not in a war torn place, we have food and clean water…and I believe that we are to take our own pain, and use it to help someone else. So it is most appropriate that you posted this, and shared the Words from Scripture that give you comfort and hope.
We all need those things every day. You have helped me with the reminders.
Of course, you are in my prayers, trusting in His mercy and Thankful that you have the Perfect Physician in Jesus. 🙂
Blessings and prayers for a Brilliant Doctor who will solve this mystery for you.
I am so glad you posted this. I am sad that you are suffering, and hope won’t be much longer, but I am so glad the Lord is bringing you glimpses of Him that you are sharing.
Blessings,
Theresa
Amen! Nothing insignificant about this post! And those are some of my very favorite scriptures. Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit and bringing the encouragement of God’s word. And I will be praying for your health issue, specifically that God tells the doctors what it is, so they’ll stop telling you what it isn’t!
Thank you. I truly appreciate the prayers, and I’m so glad I read your post this morning to encourage me to write this one. 🙂 Peace, Linda