Originally published Wednesday, 01 October 2014.
[A note from Wendy: Today I'm lending this space to Kathyrn O’Brien. An accomplished writer, but a brand new blogger, so let’s welcome her with open arms.]
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NIV)
I was certain I didn’t have breast cancer.
Surely, the Lord would have prepared me for news like this, wouldn’t He?
But oddly enough, there I was last October in the teachers’ lounge at school, on my cell phone with Dr. Curtis, head of radiology.
“That’s Kathryn with a K...” I stammered, quickly determining that this sweet elderly man with the grandfatherly voice on the other end of the line must have picked up another patient's file that morning.
Poor guy.
I actually felt sorry for him, making such an embarrassing mistake.
By this time however, Dr. Curtis was already spelling ductal carcinoma for the second time.
So, with a shaky hand and a room that was starting to spin, I grabbed a pen and a semi-used napkin to scrawl down the few things I heard: a couple of phone numbers, a website to visit, and the name of a “very fine oncologist” in the area.
I hung up wondering what in the world had just happened.
Honestly, the first few days following my diagnosis are now little more than a blur, but I distinctly remember getting home from school that morning and rushing (running, actually) to my Bible. I desperately needed God to speak to me, and wouldn’t you know it, He did.
“No,” I read as I opened the Word aimlessly, instantly drawn to a previously highlighted passage from the book of Romans, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
I read the verse again, slowly drinking in every Spirit-filled word.
“No...” What a perfect word for me in that instant.
NO. I will not be discouraged.
NO. I will not stop trusting God.
NO. I will not give in to fear.
“...in all things...” ALL things.
“Even this, Lord?” I asked through my tears.
This is big.
This is hard.
This is really, really scary.
Yes. Even this, He answered.
“...we are more than conquerors...” If ever I needed an analogy about fighting a tough battle and winning, it was precisely at that moment.
“...through him who loved us.” A gentle reminder of His unending, overwhelming, all-powerful love.
This is not the first time the Creator of the universe has met me with exactly what I needed just when I needed it.
Funny how God does that. Funny how He knows us, loves us and cares for us enough to grab us in the middle of whatever we’re facing, hold us close, and walk with us through anything that life throws our way.
If you happen to be heading into battle now, maybe a health concern, a broken relationship, financial burden, a hurtful encounter or a painful past, remember that God marches with us.
God refuses to leave us behind.
He gives us strength to fight.
And in His way, in His time, and according to His plans, we are led to victory.
Ponder: What area of your life do you need God to show up in? Take a risk, pray for God to show up, and then pick up your bible and start reading until you feel God stopping you.
Pray: Lord, show up in my life. I need you. Don’t let me be blind to your presence. (tweet this)
More about the author of this guest devotional:
Kathryn O’Brien is an award-winning author, blogger and freelance writer. Her children’s books show her heart for kids; her blog shares her heart for their mommies. Visit her at kathobrien.com or say hi on Facebook and twitter.
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- This was orginally published on my site in July 2014 to read more devotionals like this go to ilovedevotionals.com
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