Philippians 4:4-9 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Meditate on These Things. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” NKJV

Over the past few years, as most of you know, we have been battling some serious issues in my wife’s battle with Stage Four Metastatic Breast Cancer.  We have tried everything that the doctors have prescribed, and nothing has produced the desired results.  Some things seemingly have allowed things to grow worse in a few areas.  Her pain has, at times, been enormous, and I sometimes find myself focusing on her suffering and, that focus seems to be more in the forefront of my mind than the one who made and can heal this body.  I say that to my shame.  I have complained, at times, and fought to keep from adopting a “Woe is me” mindset. 

Recently I reread this passage and the conviction of the Holy Spirit flooded my heart and I have renewed my commitment and trust in the Lord, His promises, and word.  I will follow His instructions:

• Rejoicing must and I seek to make it the first and central attitude of my heart each day both at the beginning of the day and throughout the day.
• I will endeavor to walk with a gentle spirit towards other people and not be judgmental.
• I will refuse to “worry” and will replace “anxiousness” with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving making my requests known to God in detail and in humility.
• I determine with the help of the Holy Spirit to allow the peace of God that passes all understanding have free reign in my heart and guide my life.
• I will meditate on the things of God, feasting on His word, person, and promises.
• I will meditate on truth, purity, the beauty of God and His creation, nobility, good reports, virtue, and find something to praise God about in everything I encounter.
• I will meditate on these things and allow the Holy Spirit to guide each footstep in peace.

I don’t know what the doctors will tell us in the days ahead, but we have set our hearts to rejoice in God’s guidance.  We don’t know if she may endure pain for a longer season, but we will rejoice in the peace, person, presence, provision, promises, and power of God.  We have set our hearts to refuse to focus on the cancer and focus on the King and the Kingdom and His purposes for her life and the task before us. 

We have determined to allow Him to do whatever works in us He desires. We do not attributed the cancer to Him and do not believe that God inflicts His children with disease to teach them lessons. We desire, in all things that He will bring us to the place He wants us to be spiritually, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and physically.  We are not saying that God brought this or even that it is to teach anything.  We know that this is an attack of hell and, but we are determined to TRUST GOD!  Today we are rejoicing in the Lord for the Good Things He Has Done!

Blessings as you continue your walk in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!