I slept late this Saturday after a busy week, it felt good to finally rest. As I was preparing for my quiet time, I decided to check our e-mails. My cell phone charges each night on the little table beside my corner chair. Picking up the phone and pressing the button to retrieve the e-mails, several popped up. The one that caught my eye was an e-mail from some old family friends. Bill’s wife, Kaye, had recently been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. She had been due this week for her second round but because of dehydration, she spent a week in the hospital, unable to receive her treatment. He was updating friends and family on her condition.
Just two years ago, my family traveled down this same road when my dad’s pancreatic cancer returned as pancreatic cancer metastasized in his lungs. Oh, it was a different type of cancer but much the same procedure. As I read Bill’s report I came upon these words, “Thank you for traveling with us on what has become a challenging journey.” I thought about all those who have traveled with Mark and me on this challenging journey. Those who have loved us, prayed for us, and supported us- financially and emotionally. Many who have encouraged us, stood with us, fed us, believed in us, sympathized with us, and at times just walked quietly with us, their presence being what we needed at the time.
As I pondered his words, I thought of all those I know who have recently embarked on a challenging journey. The young cousin of a friend of mine, battling abdominal cancer while his wife, toddler, mom, dad and family stand by his side. This young man’s parents possibly facing the loss of another son; what an incredibly challenging journey for them. I thought about a young man, father of three, who in months past lost his wife to cancer. I thought of those who have been with him on his challenging journey and the love and support they have given. I was reminded of our friend in the midst of a divorce she doesn’t want, what a painful and challenging journey for her. I thought about the young women I know who have embarked on the challenging journey of infertility; each girl undergoing numerous procedures in an effort to be able to carry and give birth to a precious little child.
Each one I have mentioned and many I do not even know, all on challenging journeys, walking hard roads. Yet, the Lord reminded me this morning that just as a family plans a trip and sets out together, we are not alone. Oh, I will admit there have been numerous times that I felt all alone, but I have never been alone. There has been a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day to watch over me, guide me and comfort me. My Heavenly father has promised to never leave me or forsake me. Pain, oh yes, there is pain in the challenging journey! But, there again, My Heavenly father promises to carry my burdens and ease my pain. He is my Comforter, the one who bears my sorrow and heals my wounds. My Father is in the midst of my challenging journey , He is in the midst of each and every challenging journey, sweetly holding His children by His righteous right hand.
Father, thank you for reminding me, that I am never alone. You are always with me. I am grateful You carry my pain, catch each of tears, for they have been many. How sweet to know You bend down to hear my every cry and prayer in time of need.
“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 uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 40:10
“I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.” Psalm 116:1-2
dianne