I’ve been thinking about growing old lately. Or perhaps the thoughts are really more about not growing old.
I’m not as freaked out about that as you might think. And things are going well with my treatment. And we don’t know what God has in store for me. And seriously? We’ve gotten excellent news with each passing treatment and scan.
We’ve all had the same reaction to this good news. “God is so Good!”
Yes He is.
But here is the thing. He’s not good just because I’m getting good news. He would still be good even if the news was bad. He is not good because He makes things come out like we want them to. He’s not good only if I get to see my kids graduate from college and dance at their weddings and hold my grandchildren. He’s not good only if my circumstances change.
He’s good because He is Good. Because of His very nature and character.
Wow. How was that for a soapbox? I remember listening to some of Matt Chandler’s sermons after he was diagnosed with his brain tumor. I told my friend Jim that I thought he sounded a bit cranky.
He’s not cranky. He’s just had the veil we all look through lifted just a bit. As have I. And when you have that happen, the truth just becomes so darn clear. I can’t speak for him, of course, but there is a feeling in me now that I just MUST speak what I know as truth. We aren’t cranky. We just have a new sense of urgency about things.
He is good. Whatever the future holds for me. Want to know one of my biggest fears? That people would see my early death (if that’s what happens) as some sort of failure on God’s part. That if things don’t turn out like we think they should, that they will will turn their backs on Him. That they might think He isn’t what He claims to be just because things didn’t go my way.
Let me just say this again. Whatever happens to me, things have gone my way. I’m in a no lose situation. I’m fighting like a wildcat to stick around but if I don’t?
He is still good. Because He is. He just is.
Well said. Thank you. As you could calculate, I was in diapers before Pearl Harbor was bombed. When I see prayer chain requests for help in getting a job, it is OK. However, we all know we have to write a good resume and pound the pavement. But you have touched the essence of it all. God is good in every situation. It is ok if I get Alzheimers, or Parkinsons, or ALS. But it is my prayer that you will hold and romp with your grandchildren.
Sara,
Oh how I wish I had had your words 5 years ago! I did beat cancer at that time (in remission), but you verbalized how I felt, but was unable to put into words for my family and friends!! What a super special lady you are!!
While Rob and I went through his illness, and ultimate passing, never did I feel closer to Him! I understand exactly what you say! I, too, am rooting for all the things you hope to do in the future!! Praying actually!! I truly do not know how others (non-believers) do it!! I pray for them, too! He is Good!! ((hugs))
Wow, Sara. You have the gift of words, the gift of seeing a little bit more than some of us have, the gift of giving in a hundred different ways….. and He is shining right through you!!!
Welll……that was quite a sermon….that we ALL needed…..too bad its at your expense…but you have graciously educated us ALL..Love you and hope to be a part of those weddings and grandbabies…HA-HA…..even if i’m in a wheelchair….together, your mom and I can do a lot of “things” even if its getting in “trouble”…….
Amazing words from an amazing person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us, it means so much. xoxo
WOW! I need a Sara hug right now! I love u!
I have thought this so many times when you have reported good news. I am so glad you addressed this and did it so eloquently. Truth is truth, and that is what sustains us.
Amen! Need I say more?
Keep fighting like a wildcat and entrust the rest to Him. He’s got you! Are you a UK fan?
You are sooooo right sister, He is only good. It is clear He has lifted the veil. Love you!
You are right, Dear Sister! He is Good and Right and Perfect. In Habakkuk’s words “Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet. And makes me walk on my high places.”
We have faith in the God of the universe and this will preserve our soul!
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is from Daniel when Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego tell the king of Babylon, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves in this manner. If we are thrown into the the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
You are right , dear Jane, that God is good beyond our human circumstances and beyond our human control. Thanks for your powerful words. Love you!
Wow.
Just when I think I have some sense of what a privilege and blessing it is to know you, you go and say or do something that shows me once more I have no idea at all of the magnitude of that blessing.
God is Good, and WOW does he favor you! He is beaming out of your finger tips, toes and nostrils
. Thank you for delivering Him to us.
XOXO
hard to add to what’s already been said… but yes. no matter what. God. is. good.
period.
i remember when a friend at church was diagnosed with a horrific cancer… one of his friends said…lucky.
he said… yeah, i know. i’m gonna get to see Jesus. is that not the coolest?
he fought like heck to stick around, but what a party was had at his homegoing.
you speak wonderful wisdom. so glad you are His.
Thank you Jane! Your words were much needed. God is Good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Amen, my sweet friend. xoxoxo
Amen Sarah! God is so good that He knows how to mightily use you as His voice to so many. His promises of grace and mercy are answered every time!
This blog was forwarded to me from Paul Crouse. I am his pastor. He recognized a theme that I continue to mention among our people and that you have articulated very well. To say that God is good does not mean that He does for me what I want Him to do. It means that God is goo in character and nature. Jiob understood that right well. Thanks for the good word both pratically and theologically!
Amen dear one. Please know that you are in my prayers continually.
This is the scripture that reconciled me to my breast cancer experience:
Romans 14: 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
Amen, Sara! I am praying for you. I go to the Father with my heart’s desire for you and thank Him for what He’s done. Yet we trust, no matter what, because our hope is found in Christ alone and we have the power of Christ in us. As the song “In Christ Alone” goes… And as He stands in victory, Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine – Bought with the precious blood of Christ. No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me; From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand! God is still good. Beautifully said, Sara! You’re beautiful!
Dear Sara,
I saw your lovely comment on my blog and had to come check out yours… this was the first thing I read and I am immediately deeply touched and very impressed. God has given you a powerful voice through your circumstances. To say that God is good from where you are standing is a holy, beautiful thing. Thank you for giving me that gift. I believe it too, whether or not Steve’s hands or sensation ever return, whether or not he uses a cane for the rest of his life. I keep imagining this world of suffering as a teeny, tiny droplet within the context of a glorious eternity where all is as it should be, where all of God’s goodness flows unhindered. It helps me.
Thanks again for your beautiful witness, courageous spirit and clear vision for what is good and true. May God’s tender heart and sheltering wing cover you even when the darkness closes in.
Michelle
God is providing all of us with an amazing witness to His goodness through your words, Sara. Thank you so very much for constantly sharing what is on your heart and in your soul. Your testimony brings comfort … peace … and joy in all that He does, no matter if it is part of OUR plan or not. I pray that He continues to walk beside you, carry you, and wrap His arms around your heart of faith and love; that He blesses you with continued courage to depend on Him. You are truly an inspiration to us all, and we are richer for knowing and loving you.
Love you, dear sister, and praying for you and your family daily.
Amen, Sister! Hard but true words. Your words are courageous and true. HE is using you to speak to my heart and so many others. Thank you for taking the time and energy to share what the Lord is speaking to your heart.
Loving you and Lifting you up,
Jill