Monday, October 19, 2009

REFINED BY FIRE

Over the past few months we have been praying for several people in our Church family who have been diagnosed with cancer. The Apostle Peter tells us about living hope. God knows we cannot live without hope. God promises us in 1 Peter 1:6-7-though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. And Peter goes on to remind us that even though we do not see Him, we believe in Him and we are filled with joy. When I pray with a cancer patient I am reminded my own trials are nothing. I am also reminded that God is ever present. He loves each of us and is with us every step of the way. Let the patient feel God's love through you. Let your face shine with the joy of the Holy Spirit. We can offer the hope of eternal life. It is our natural instinct to want to know what lies ahead. For the Christian we have the promise of Eternal Life. I John 5:11 God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

4 comments:

Carol J. Garvin said...

I had a "go 'round" with cancer four years ago. It was a terrifying time for me. Even though I knew in my heart God would be with me whatever the outcome, everything was strange and frightening as I was swept along through the process of diagnosis, surgery, etc. (It certainly didn't help that I'm claustrophobic!) One good thing about such trials is that we have them to look back on during other difficult times, and they serve as personal proof that God's promises are always kept. He doesn't promise a life free of trouble but he will sustain us through the good and the bad in it.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

My husband has prostate cancer. Right now, praise the Lord it is "under control". The doctor told us he will always have it, we have to live with it, just keep an eye on it. He gets depressed many times, when he feels tired, he's always convinced the cancer is back. I just remind him, he's just tired. And tell him, we have to think positive UNTIL or IF the doctors tell us differently. Then he smiles---and leaves to play golf!
Hugs to you--btw, I'm praying for you!
Katt

Carol J. Garvin said...

Thanks, Katt. I'll remember your husband, too.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

We'll know in just a couple weeks whether or not he has to start treatment again. I am praying that he won't have to. It's so hard on him----me too
Hugs
Katt