Monday, January 12, 2009

A little adversity is good for the soul


"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."
~ Anne Bradstreet

I am about to head to my comfy chair for my afternoon rest time. Without this rest time, I can't get through the day. While that sometimes frustrates me, I am trying to see God's blessing in it. I can pray for an hour uninterrupted (except for when I fall asleep!) I have the ability to be home and order my days as needed, and a lovely place to rest.

I know God is slowing me down for a reason. I'd just like to have His reason and be done with it, and move on to other things. But what ingratitude that is! A dear friend reminded me today that unless Paul had been imprisoned, we would not have much of the New Testament. I have no illusion about God doing any big or mighty work in me, as He did in Paul, but I trust Him to have a good plan for me all the same. So I will rest here. A little adversity is good for the soul. It keeps me from complacency, and reminds me who to call upon in my times of need.

And speaking of need, here are some specific prayer requests. I know there are days when I am carried by the love and prayers of many of you, Gentle Readers. Thank you!

~Please pray that the sarcoidosis would not become a problem.
~Please pray that there would be no return of the breast cancer.
~Please pray for upcoming tests and appointments:
*Primary care doc last week of January
*Pulmonary specialist about sarcoidosis first week of February
*Mammograms and blood work in March
*CT-scans and appointment with oncologist in April
~Please pray that I would content myself beneath God's hand.
~Please pray that I would find my worth and sufficiency in Christ alone, not is what I can or can't do.

4 comments:

Cindy Marsch said...

I remember last year feeling a little guilty because my mammogram scare turned out to be nothing while yours turned out to be something, but I have been taught over these months of your working through these things publicly how I should go through them if and when my own time comes to do so. Now I face a diagnostic surgery of another sort and I am back to learning from you and mostly from our Lord how to walk in peace and trust in Him. Thank you, dear sister. :-)

MagistraCarminum said...

Sweet friend-

Thank you for the kind words. The Lord is good to us both in so many ways, not the least of which is our friendship. I am praying for you as you face your upcoming surgery, and look forward to what the Lord will do in and through you.

Anonymous said...

Chris,

God bless you in this trial. I thank God that you seem to have found the cancer early.

I've only just learned about this myself, but thank you for being so courageous for the benefit of all of us who have various trials.

You are a blessing to us all.

MagistraCarminum said...

Thank you (I assume this is Andrew?) I am humbled that the lord can use my ramblings in such a way.