Running Out Ahead of God

"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge--even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you--so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1: 4-9

One of my favorite stories is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. The experiences she had in the Nazi concentration camp were amazing enough, but I have always been impressed at the wisdom of her father, Casper. When she was a little girl, he told her that some knowledge was too heavy for a child, and so he would bear it for her.  I’ve read the book several times, but reading it for the first time since my cancer diagnosis gave me a whole new take on it. Today, that reminds me of how not even my doctor gave me the full details at times, let alone my loved ones. When I had my allogeneic bone marrow transplant, I was thankfully unaware of all the difficulties that could arise. And it was not until after the first two years of countless, constant treatment that I began to really learn about multiple myeloma, one of those “incurable” diseases that drains the quality of life from its victims before it takes their lives completely. I was protected by loved ones and also by my inherent survival instincts, choosing not to ask the hard questions. But what do we do when it is time to bear the heavy knowledge? How do we live abundantly and joyfully when all the facts point to a grim future? Once again, Casper ten Boom’s wisdom comes to the rescue. When Corrie was afraid of death—particularly of losing her loved ones—her father gently warned her not to run out ahead of God. “When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need in time.” Haven’t I already learned this lesson? God has given me the strength and the grace I need every day so far. When I look at what I’ve endured medically, more remarkable is how He has carried me, even blessed me, through it. For the one who trusts in Him, there is no place for fear or worry. He is faithful, and He will never leave us or forsake us.

Father, thank You for the lives of faithful people such as the ten Booms. Their suffering, while so different from mine, yet carries the same happy assurances from You. For Your grace IS enough, and You will give me the strength I need when the time comes for me to bear more. Let it be a long, long time from now, Lord! Not only for me, but also for those praying this prayer with me. Let our lives be long and full and used for Your glory. But when it is our time, Lord, let us rest in Your arms, filled with Your peace. We know from the countless examples of those who have gone before us, as well as from our own lives and the promises in Your word, that You are always faithful. We thank You and praise You and glorify Your Holy name, Amen.