Strength in Adversity: Facing Challenges Together
I had hoped to send a positive update (clean CT and MRI – thankfully). However, there is a new development. I just received the results of a routine mammography, which revealed an 8 mm mass. Receiving that report was not what I was expecting. I sent it to my oncologist and to a friend who specializes in breast cancer surgery. My oncologist advised that I’d need to follow up with my breast clinic, and my friend advised that I’d need an ultrasound before the biopsy. The ultrasound would determine if I needed a biopsy and, if so, specifically where.
To be honest, I hadn’t even begun to pray about it… all I could think was, oh no, not again. Less than 3 hours after receiving the report, my health clinic called (surprise (!) since the healthcare system is quite backed up because of the war). They wanted me to come in THIS Thursday for an emergency check-up, ultrasound, and possible biopsy! I guess it is important.
I’d appreciate your prayers for peace of mind to rest all this in the hands of my Lord. In my head, I know HE is not surprised and has HIS good purposes for me, even with this… my gut reaction isn’t so assured… but I know that God is good and faithful. All I can do is take things day by day. He knows.
Which reminds me…
As I share this, I’m reminded of my English class last week with my Chinese students. We have been working through the book of Proverbs. Talk about challenging English! I never thought about how difficult some of the proverbs were until I asked my students which proverb they had trouble understanding.
Several students found Proverbs 14:10 challenging. It reads:
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy.
One student asked, “Doesn’t this contradict the New Testament,” and she quoted Romans 12:15.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
What followed was an interesting discussion as we explored more deeply just what this verse in Proverbs is saying. By the end of class, we were all challenged to be more compassionate to one another. We cannot possibly understand the depths of another’s pain, whether or not we might identify with their experience. Likewise, what brings one person joy may not be what brings me joy. Some things are more challenging for one person than another. One person is excited about a new watch, another about a new job.
Looking more closely at the verse, we noted that it is not preceded or followed by a “but” like the other verses. Together, we concluded that Proverbs 14:10 is actually a statement of fact, and perhaps, because most of the previous verses in this chapter deal with relationships, verse 10 is a call to compassion for others.
Now, remembering our discussion and writing this blog, I am thinking of YOU and praying that the Lord is the strength of YOUR life in the challenges you face.
We are not alone
I think we often minimize what we face by comparing our challenges with others that are seemingly greater or lesser than our own. But the truth is, we can’t measure by degree. Maybe what you experience as challenging might be easier for me, and vice versa. I pray that what I am struggling with and sharing will encourage you to share your own struggles with others as well, and that together, we will seek the Lord and see Him glorified in our lives. You alone know the things that are bitter and painful in your life, and you alone know what brings you true joy. But, whether we understand each other or not, we can weep with each other in our sorrows and rejoice with each other in our joys.
Whether we battle with health, social, financial, relational, or situational issues and the fears and stress of war and an increasingly wicked society around us – the LORD is our strength, He is coming soon, and what a joy it will be to serve Him and have fellowship together in an eternal kingdom where righteousness reigns!
A song to encourage you
Psalm 131 has been coming to mind lately. Between thoughts about the war and considering my different physical challenges, this song has greatly comforted me. I hope you too enjoy it.
