Do you ever wake up at 3:00 a.m. with restless thoughts??
Recently, I have had some health opportunities . . .
In 2011, I had breast cancer and God allowed me to be a medical miracle. In the last five months, my cancer tumor markers have been going up. I have tried everything I know on this earth to bring them back down (detoxes, eating raw, holistic intervention, etc). They continue to climb . . .
As you can imagine, all of this has taken over my thought life. I play through the scenarios in my mind and I just can’t let it go. The What-If game plays nightly on my own special channel. My nights (even though I know better) are caught up in worrying about the future at 3:00 a.m.
As I seek the Lord, in my worried state, I begin to see TWO LIES the Evil One throws at me:
- You show worry and be anxious because somehow that will change the outcome of your days.
- You can control the future and this current health challenge by every thing you do.
Lies, I tell you, lies of the enemy!!! They come screaming in the middle of the night and I believe them in the moment. “The cancer has spread.” “You won’t be here to see your kids graduate or get married” “You will have to do chemotherapy and get really sick”. These are the voices I hear at 3:00 a.m.!
Here is THE TRUTH that replaces the lies!
God says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). God takes care of the birds of the air and grass of the field (Matt. 6:26-30) Why don’t I think He is currently, in this health challenge, taking care of me? He IS!!!
God is teaching me so much about trusting Him TODAY! Right in the midst of these thoughts, He is there. God knew I would be here. He knew I would have these opportunities and this given time in history. Yet, he wrote these verses to encourage ME and YOU, in our moments, just like these. My job is not to control things, but to rest and trust in God.
God surrounds me with prayer warriors who lift me up during these difficult times. They are all true angels here on earth. I try to express how much it means to be prayed for, but no words can explain the blessing these prayer warriors are to me. Since they have started praying for me, I have been sleeping through the night – every night. Find yourself some prayer warriors for the journey.
When I worry at 3:00 a.m., I am sure to start praying – for myself, for others, for my kids, for my marriage, for the school year, for our pastor, for ministries I love, for our country, for friends in need – whatever and whoever the Lord brings to mind. This combats the TWO LIES!!!
In the morning, I sit during my quiet time and give thanks for all God is doing! I make lists after lists from big things to little things. Being grateful and thankful fights the TWO LIES!!!
My current situation has not really changed. My cancer markers continue to soar and my PET scan show cancerous activity. I will undergo surgery on September 3rd to find the cancer, but I have an inner calm and peace about it.
We all have a choice to make in this life when we face difficult times.
The TWO LIES yell for our attention, but the ONE TRUTH supplies all our needs.
What will you serve today – the god of worry and control OR the God who takes away worry and control.
The choice is ours to make. Choose wisely, friends!
