Walking by faith and not by sight...

Last week was a week of blessing as well as a week of reminders of the curse.  I spent time with my dear brother and sister-in-law, and with dear friends who have served the Lord in the midst of great suffering and trial for many years.  We battled the rain of a century, and watched as God transformed the year from summer to fall yet again.  I struggled with increasing my meds, and have been reminded of God's amazing care.

Between us, Dave and I have three cancer fights and more behind us: stage 4 melanoma for Dave in multiple recurrences, and two stage 1 breast cancers for me, along with my current auto-immune disease in my eyes. People tell us that we have been an inspiration to them as they watch us depend on God, and I am glad that God has allowed that to happen.  But please, Gentle Reader, understand that this is only a manifestation of God's marvelous work.  In our weakness, His strength is made clear. What inspires people is what God has accomplished, and it it is amazing to us as well. God promises to work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to his purpose.  And we see Him doing that in our lives.  But with C. S. Lewis, we must sometimes wonder, not whether what God plans is good, but how painful it will be.

I have been reminded this week that often the "good plan" that my heavenly Father has for my life is a painful thing, and that if I am to remain true to Christ, I have to hold on to the fact that walking by faith and not by sight is part of what Christ requires of His followers.  What looks painful and wearisome to me is actually producing good things in me, by God's grace.  He sees better than I do, and plans all things well. And I may not see it, or understand how it can be, but I can trust that it is, because I can trust Him.

As we both face a new week, Gentle Reader, may we do so in faith.



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