Saturday, May 1, 2010

Resistance~Surrender~Acceptance

As many of you know, for the past five weeks I have been recovering from cancer surgery, and that has gone very well. I want to thank every one of you who has prayed for me during the past 6 weeks or more. My doctor cannot believe how well my healing has gone and I told him it is ALL the prayers!!!1

I am now being challenged by a nasty flare up of my Lyme Disease and CFS/ME as a result of the surgery. Being on the sofa or in bed 20 hrs a day has been difficult. But more of a challenge has been my effort to resist accepting my "life after cancer" I know it is a process, just like my body's recovery, but I have used a lot of my limited energy to keep my feelings stored behind a locked door in my mind. This week I finally was able to open that door, come out from under my wool comforter(affectionately named Woolie) and attempt to deal with my new reality. The great news is, I don't have to do this alone. God has promised to always be with me. God has promised to be with all of us. In Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) we read:
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"Don't be afraid for I am with you.

Don't be discouraged for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

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Today's email devotional by Rick Warren spoke of surrendering to God and what that means. Resistance, surrender, acceptance ~ these are all words that are swirling around in my head and heart right now. I saw an image of a small child who squirms in her father's arms, wanting to get down and be on her way when the father only wants to protect his child. I saw myself doing the same thing. Do you ever find yourself resisting God? God is willing to hold us in His loving arms, protecting, and guiding our journey ~ but I seem to be resisting and squirming, determined to do things my way. The difference is I am old enough to know that my Father wants what is best for me, when often a small child does not. It is just so hard to let go of our own will, isn't it!

I have a lot to learn in this life after cancer and I HAVE that privilege, but first I need to cease resisting where I find myself, surrender and accept God's plan, and focus on all the goodness that has come from this journey. It is a journey we all take at different times in our lives for many different reasons, but we are all blessed to have God's promise to walk with us along the way.

For more inspirational posts visit Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays. http://www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

8 comments:

Whidbey Woman said...

Oh, this is so true!!! God bless you, sister. I will pray for your continued healing. Cancer is a terrible thing to go through... but a blessing, too. It helps us realize what is truly important in life. It opens our eyes to God's provision for us. Peace be with you.

Joan Hall said...

Renee - it's good to see you posting again. Life after cancer isn't always easy - especially at first. However through God's grace, He will see you through. He's been doing that for my husband and I (and his life after cancer) for almost seventeen years.

Blessings,
Joan

Charlotte said...

I'm glad you are recovering from your cancer surgery but sorry about your other problems. It isn't easy to let go and let God take care of us in whatever way he sees best. I like the example of the child squirming in his father's arms. I think we all find ourselves doing that at times. It is hard to accept that we are not always in control of our lives. Thank you for your courage and willingness to share your heart with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Nikki (Sarah) said...

still praying for you Renee...you are an inspiration. Stay strong ok....He's got you in the palm of His awesome hands. Sarah

RCUBEs said...

You're the one encouraging us so much with this post. May the Lord's strength be yours always. Praying for your continued recovery. God bless you sister Renee.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I will continue to pray for you. I like Rick Warren, I enjoy what he writes.
Blessings,
Ginger

Haelie said...

Such a good reminder! Thank you! Praying for you in these difficult, yet blessed times.

Kelee Katillac said...

Hi Rene:

Very insightful post.

Surrendering and going with "the plan"
of God not always easy. Sometimes, He
has to wrestle us down to get our attention....
I have been there! So, I am endeavoring to go with the plan and let it be MINE!

Thank-you for your great example!

love, kelee