Truths from Difficulty
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:3-4
The past eight months have been difficult as we walked through my daughter’s stage three cancer diagnosis. This month she was declared cancer-free! During this journey, certain truths about God have been reinforced in my heart and mind. Certain aspects of His character have become more deeply embedded in my beliefs.
Though Psalm 145 declares God’s greatness is unfathomable, in my own meager way, I will tell of His mighty character and acts that have sustained me during this journey.
God’s peace is incomprehensible. I’ve never been slow at becoming anxious. If you only knew how many times I have quoted Do not be anxious about anything... (Philippians 4:6). Yet, the times I had trouble sleeping during Allison’s illness were rare. I truly experienced the peace of God, which transcends all understanding... (Philippians 4:7).
God’s presence powerfully sustains. During this journey, I was assured God would never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5) I felt His presence as He strengthened me, helped me, and upheld me with His righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
God’s power heals. I praise God that He chose to heal Allison physically, but in different ways, He healed all of us spiritually. Perhaps He will heal your physical disease, but He certainly desires to heal you spiritually.
God is perfect in His faithfulness. Would I declare this if my daughter’s outcome had been different, if she wasn’t cancer-free? I would, for my belief is settled: The Lord is faithful in all He does. He will never change. His Word declares, ...if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself (2 Timothy 2:13).
Lord, your greatness cannot be fully comprehended, but I declare your peace, power, and faithfulness to be perfect and eternal. Thank you for revealing yourself to us, especially in hard times. Amen.
Jan Burkhart
