We all know the drill. You wake up, check the weather and prepare for the day. It used to be you had to look out the window or if you were more sophisticated, you might have a barometer around to take a check (if you knew how to use it). Now, we just roll over in bed and check our smart gadget of choice to see what our day will hold. Even in a place like North Carolina were the weather will be predictably, unpredictable, the weather gurus generally get it in the ballpark. Once in a while, they miss by a country mile. We prepare for a picnic at the beach and it is freezing and wet.
We have had one of those weeks. Beautiful called me on Thursday and asked me to clear my calendar because the doctor called and asked her to come in for additional tests. He wouldn’t give us any more information. That is always, an “Uh oh,” moment. After arriving, they explained that they noticed some anomalies in her tests and needed more detail to be conclusive. After the procedure, the physician explained that he suspected there may be cancer and they would need to do more tests to be sure. That was when the rain really began to fall on our little picnic. After a long weekend where Beautiful ran through all of the emotions one would humanly expect: fear, hurt, anger, etc., and a very painful biopsy, I continued to pray and support my normally cheerful bride. It pained me most that this incredible flower seemed to be withering before her time. That was when the prayers rained down. Almost like a light switch, she went from anger and fear to peace and joy. I cannot tell you how much of a blessing it is see that kind of a transformation. On Wednesday we received the verdict. Without a doubt it was the “C” word: CANCER. But my wife wasn’t overwhelmed with tears when they told her. She was resting in her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. She cried, but it wasn’t out of fear or anger. She cried because of God’s faithfulness in friends, family and in really, really good doctors. You see she understands this for it really is: an opportunity for our Lord Jesus Christ to receive glory and an opportunity for our faith to grow.
She has shared that she is really excited to see what God does through all of this. It has given her an additional level of boldness to talk about her love and faith in God. If you have been around us “bible” people very much, you have probably heard someone quote Romans 8:28 when there is a trial. The funny thing is, that we usually get it wrong. I have known my bride a long time, and I know where her hope is. She gets it. You see that verse is connected to bunch of others. Here is the frame around 8:28:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:18-19
Paul has a larger discussion about creation and our hope and brings it home with:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29
When you bring these together you see clearly what Paul is NOT saying. He is not saying that our skies will always be “Sunshine and Lollipops.” On the contrary, he is telling us that when the rain comes we need to embrace it because it makes us more like Christ.
She is in for a lot of pain. Our lives will be very different for at least a few months. But, we know that there is good in the pain as there is joy in the rain. We are all going to grow and it will be glorious. I don’t know how much rain we are going to get and I am sure we will all be sick of it before we see the sun again. But this much I know, our Lord will never leave us and my bride will be loved through it all.
Seven on Earth 