Unfortunately, we cannot sit down with God and see him face to face. As a result many people, including myself, often question whether or not he is even there. Where are you God in all of this? Are you listening?
Often I know God is speaking to me and listening to me, but I myself am the one not listening. Or I am not giving him the chance to speak to me by not spending time in the Bible. Disbelief or anger also plays a factor in my ability to hear clearly from God in an intimate, personal way. Lately, I am learning that if I want to hear God speak to me it is as simple as just listening. I am finding that if I just be still in a quiet room I can hear a voice telling me, "Sue, you are going to be OK." But I struggle with discerning whether or not these are my thoughts or if it is truly God speaking to me.
I read the other day that we are one of God's sheep, and the sheep knows the Shepherd's voice - the voice of a stranger they will not follow. You can hear from God; it is part of your inheritance - don't ever believe otherwise! John 6:13 says "But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For he will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever he hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]."
I am also learning that God is speaking to me through others. Many of you have given me words of encouragement and Bible verses to read. Your words are often the same words of encouragement that God has given me. It is a confirmation that what I am reading and hearing is the truth. So God is using many of you in more ways than one.
If it was so easy to experience God by having a face to face conversation, would we earnestly seek him or take the time to get to know him? If we never went through difficult circumstances in life, would we ever learn about how much God does care for us? I do know that ever since I have been diagnosed with cancer, I have been seeking God more than ever. I have been experiencing God like I have never done before.
Today, I am on day three of chemo. The nausea does not seem to be as bad, but my energy level is much worse. My kidneys seem to be working over time to get rid of the fluid retention so please pray that there has been no damage to my kidneys this time around. Please continue to let me know when you visit my blog. I love to hear from each and everyone of you. It uplifts my spirits and keeps me going.
Love,
Sue
10 comments:
Hi Sue,
I am visiting your blog almost everyday to stay updated and am really blessed by your writing and your sharing of your journey.
I am working in a greenhouse this summer and see so many beautiful flowers I wish I could bring to you to brighten your day! Know that I often think of you and often pray for you!
Say hi to Jason, Mackenzie, and Kendall! I hope Mackenzie is starting to feel better.
Psalm 121 is so encouraging, and I wanted to share it with you:)
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you--
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and gong
both now and forevermore."
Love,
Dani
I'm so happy to hear that Round 2 is if anything, not worse! It's helpful to know specifics of what to pray for. I will keep you in my prayers! I hope Mackenzie is feeling better today. And we will DEFINITELY get the girls together next week since Monday is the end of preschool. Can you even believe they will be in Kindergarten so soon?! This is just a bump in the road for you Sue! You truly have been blessed in so many ways; a wonderful husband, beautiful children, friends and family who care so much and most of all faith in a God who will comfort you, hold you and walk with you through this journey! I will pray for energy for you as you complete Round 2!
With love,
Michelle E.
Dear Sue,
I check your blog every day and love to read your updates. They are refreshingly honest and thought provoking every time. You are a blessing to all of us who read your blog. Thanks so much for sharing from your heart.
I will continue to pray for your strength and peace during this week. Just know that you are loved by so many!
Blessings,
Jen
Sue,
I feel like you're taking all of us that read your thoughts on a faith journey. Good thoughts and prayers are coming your way from me each morning as I pass by your corner on my way to work and each night when I come home.
Jeremy
Sue,
I look forward to your blog everyday. It ministers to everyone who reads it. You write with such grace and passion. I'm praying for your peace and comfort every day. I hope Mackenzie is doing better and you are able to give her hugs and kisses.
Maryann Raese
Just a cyper friend from Michigan. Sue, your pic on the sidebar while getting chemo is amazing. Your smile tells it all. It tells that you are putting your faith in someone else's hand (our Heavenly Father). Sharing like you are is encouraging others, others that are going through similar medical issues and others who are not. Some days aren't pretty but your hope is pulling you through. Regarding a conversation with God, I'm with ya. My saying is that I want God to send me a postcard with life instructions ;) Keeping holding on.
Hi Sue,
Your entries are so moving and thought provoking. I believe you are going to beat this and someday these entries will remind you of what God taught you and what He brought you through. We are all inspired and have grown in our own faith because of what you openly share with us.
I believe God is telling you Sue you are going to be okay- because no matter what He holds you in the palm of His hand and He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. Continue to be quiet and listen to His Spirit speak words of comfort over you.
Ps. 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.
Pr. 3:5,6 (The Message) " Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track."
From the Purpose Driven Life
Trusting in the Lord
Abraham followed God's leading without knowing where it would take him.
Hannah waited for God's perfect timing without knowing when.
Mary expected a miracle without knowing how.
Joseph trusted God's purpose without knowing why circumstances happened the way they did.
Keep trusting and believing Sue! I was taught a really neat way to pray. Take verses that speak to you and pray it over yourself using your name. Here is one of my prayers for you.
Josh. 1:9 Lord Jesus, please help Sue to "Be strong and courageous, help her to not be terrified; help her to not be discouraged, for you Lord are her God and will be with her wherever she goes. May she rest in that promise." In Jesus mighty healing hand, Amen.
Sue know that I pray for you daily. You are not forgotten. Stay strong and steadfast. Stay the course and be anchored to the throne of Grace.
Love,
Nikki
I read your blog everyday. I appreciate your honesty. Your writing is beautiful. It reminds me of your mom's writing talent. Thank you for giving us specific things to pray about. Barbara in Texas
hang in there sue! when i run along clover field drive i pray that mile for you. i know you wish you were running too so i run for you on that mile. :) shawna
I think of you so often throughout each day. I pray that the chemo is working and you get a great report at your next scan. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to seeing you out and about soon!! Take care. Much love, Ruth L.
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