Beyond survival mode

I look in the mirror, and I see this gentle but potent reminder: I got through cancer. I survived breast cancer. But long before that, God helped me survive many other things. Being teased in school for being soooo tall; moving away from the known and familiar to join the Navy; looking for jobs - taking jobs not suited to me; and when I found out I couldn't bear children (and everybody else was); being out on my own after a failed marriage; my only son headed for Iraq; mom dying of cancer; car troubles, financial problems... and oh yes, breast cancer.

Most likely, you too, have a litany of survivals, rescues, by the hand of God as well. Perhaps you have a few more on your list right now to get through - need of rescue by a power mightier than your own.

The Lord is near to all who call on Him. (Psalm 145:18)

What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? (Deuteronomy 4:7)

The Lord is good, a refuge is times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. (Nahum 1:7)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)

What does forever and faithfulness mean but that God will continually, help, save, and rescue again and again. Did God ever quit on me (or you) no matter how long the list of needs, indeed - years of needs?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

I look in the mirror, see the necklace, and I am reminded: By God's grace, I survived.

You too. Look in the mirror. And say, 

"By God's grace, I have survived. I will survive."

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret... (Psalm 37:7)

       

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.