Looking at the Road Ahead

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90: 12

Francois Fenelon, French priest, royal tutor, and defender of human rights from the late 1600s—early 1700s, once gave this sound advice to a friend: “I know you want to see the road ahead rather than trusting God. Leave everything in His hands without looking at tomorrow. Walk humbly with God.” It amazes me that this was spoken about 300 years ago, when the same advice is so applicable to me! How often I find myself comparing charts on treatments for multiple myeloma, comparing the median overall survival and progression-free survival statistics! Even if the median survival were 40 years from the time of diagnosis (instead of 3-5 years), that would be no guarantee that I would live that long. When it comes to the future, there are no guarantees for anyone. As I am fond of saying to other patients, all we have lost is the illusion of a longer life, which is all anybody has. Each of us, whether or not we are cancer patients, is only guaranteed this moment, right now. Studying statistics, researching the latest medical breakthroughs, and constantly monitoring our disease have their place in our treatment, but they will never bring us the peace we seek. Not until we trust God with childlike faith, looking to Him daily as the source of our strength, walking with him every hour, and seeking His will and purpose for our life at each moment will we be set free from our anxiety about the future. We must get beyond just “living in the moment” and move to “abiding in Him”. Easier said than done…but it’s a worthy, worthwhile goal, as the reward is so great, the quality of life so amazing, and the example we set such a gift to others. We have an opportunity, as those visibly stricken with disease, to model abundant living in spite of our circumstances. I pray that we will not miss this opportunity!

Dear God, Please forgive me for holding on to my anxieties about the future. This is not what You want for me—You bring peace, not fear. Help me to abide in You, to see the work that You are doing in my life, and to seize the opportunities that You bring to me each day. Let me entrust my future to You, knowing that every situation points to Your special purpose and plan for my life.