God Still Has Work for Me to Do

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Cancer survivors often feel a sense of loss—of devastating loss— as though all our hopes and dreams have been ripped away from us. Dwelling on our “losses” can quickly lead to despair, especially if we continue to focus on our own hopes and dreams, and on what we want from this life. But if our hopes are centered on what God’s will is for us, and if our dreams are in line with His plans, then we have nothing to worry about. Cancer cannot disrupt God’s perfect plan. We do not need to fear that our lives will end “unfinished”. God’s plan for our lives will always be brought to completion. After all, God is not surprised that we have this disease. He was not blindsided by the diagnosis, as we were. He has it all under control, and His Spirit is still at work within us to bring His perfect plan to completion. Let your hope be in Him. Let your dreams be His! His plans for your life are more perfect, more valuable, and more lasting than anything you could dream up on your own. Before my paternal grandmother died at 91 years old, she often commented, “I’m still here, so I guess God still has work for me to do.” He still has work for all of us to do. He has plans for you and me this day and every day that we live and breathe. Our lives have not lost purpose and meaning. Let us not retire too soon, but embrace the plans He has for us this day!

Dear Lord, Forgive me for holding on so tightly to my own plans and dreams. Help me to see the work that You would have me do today. Help me to see the hurts of others, and the ways in which I can be a light to those in need. Lift me up gently whenever I begin to sink into the pit of despair, whenever I begin to mourn my own losses. Remind me that in Christ there is no loss, but only gain.