2 Corinthians 5:6-8(ESV) So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
I have a dear friend who has received some bad news of late. Her cancer has returned. Obviously this is not welcome news. This is one of those situations for cancer survivors that is part of the worry, and always in the back of their mind. It is that fear of a return of cancer. And it is now a reality. Verses speaking of the ‘good fight’ come to mind. A couple of verses that came across in my daily reading also should be shared in this situation. From 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV) The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. The 2nd Corinthians 5 verses above gives us the message that we have the courage of the Lord within us to fight that good fight. And we fight that good fight with divine weapons. What an awesome combination! What we are given is nothing that is tangible. It is part and parcel of our faith, that is also a gift from God. To non-believers this may seem foolish and empty. But to believers, these gifts are truly all that we need. God provides for us daily in all situations. Sometimes we have to look through His eyes to see what we are given to truly appreciate that daily provision. But that is what we do because we are of good courage. What we are truly given is humbling in it’s magnitude. What we are given is given in love that knows no boundaries or limits.
And so, to my dear friend, I remind you of that which you already know. Be strong and of good courage. Your weapons in this fight are not of this world, they are better. The fight you are beginning again is not one you will fight alone. You have the Lord at your side. And you have your family and your friends. As for us mere mortals who are at your side in this fight, we have hugs and prayers whenever you are in need of encouragement.
Prayer
Lord you know what we need even before we ask for it. The struggles we endure can be overwhelming. They can drive a wedge between You and us, if we give them a chance. Help us Father when our faith waivers. Hold onto us tightly, that we might feel your love and presence. Show us Your will and Your way in the struggles we experience on earth. This we ask in the name of Your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
