Years ago, I knowingly consented to chemotherapy. I knew the risks. I was told it could possibly cause cancer later on. There are many side effects, maybe even things we didn’t know yet.
Yet one thing I did know: I had cancer then. And, I had to do something.
After several consults all telling me the same, I said yes to chemotherapy. I had to treat the cancer I had. Without doing that, I really didn’t need to worry about the what if’s down the road…
Fast forward fifteen years. I’m still here. I’m still cancer-free (Praise the Lord!) And, thankfully, haven’t experienced too many side effects of chemo.
But I recently needed to make a similar decision: one dear to me needed a treatment plan that wasn’t to be made lightly. After exhausting years of other options, we needed to make some very difficult choices. It’s harder for me to step out in faith when I’m making choices for someone else. I feel a tremendous weight for the other person. What if I’m wrong?
Oh, I pray, you better believe it. I research. I ask questions of learned people. I pray some more. But when I don’t like any of the options, it’s a hard choice to make.
I need to trust God on His promise in James. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:15 (NIV)
I need to trust Him on that. Then I need to proceed with confidence. I have even asked Him to stop the motion of the decision if we are running ahead of Him. It’s my feeble attempt at verifying we’re doing the right thing.
Maybe you’ve been there. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, neither looking promising at all. Yet, a decision must be made, because not making one is making a choice in the end.
Even when the options are awful, God is still on His throne.
And He’s good. All. The. Time.
Even in the darkest of times.
But these dark moments won’t last forever. He’ll carry us to the joyous moments, and we will once again celebrate something.
I have learned to not only ask for wisdom, but then to ask Him to supply all our needs. The need for wisdom, yes, and the need for peace with the decision. And, to supply for whatever need will arise.
He has never let me down yet. He has come through every, single, time. He is amazing. Yes amazing, and good, and trustworthy.
If you’re like me, there are days when I need that reminder. Yes, I am blessed to be cancer-free and yes, I do still celebrate that. But yes, there are still challenges, other challenges that happen to those I love and I wish I could take their hurt and pain, but I can’t.
But I can intercede for them, call on God’s promises and claim them for my loves. I can stand in the gap praying, when they can’t. And I can trust God to carry us through, whatever the outcome.
He will grant wisdom. He will supply all our needs. Even the need for a boost in faith.
All we need to do is humbly ask Him. Will you join me in just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know the situation I’m in. You know the wisdom I lack. You know the answers I need. You promise in Your word to supply all my needs. You promise to impart wisdom. Lord, I’m asking. Even when I don’t like any of these options and timing is critical, help me trust You to provide whatever is needed. Lord, above all, help me have faith to trust in Your outcomes, and to praise You whatever my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.