Romans 8:18-25
Losing focus of the goal is common to many of us especially
in times of distress, sickness, loss of income, lost of relationship, and
watching a nation you love go down the tubes.
But let me share the story of Marty Lindley, for it is one of focus and
of faith in a big God, and the spirit of being and doing all you can do in
adversity. Marty has a very rare cancer
and this is taken from her foundation web site: “Marty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and survived after
a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries, and six months of intense
chemotherapy. In 2007, she was diagnosed with one of the rarest types of
cancers, uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Since recurrence in 2010, she has fiercely
battled the incurable disease through numerous cycles of chemotherapy,
radiation and surgeries. Her God, her incredible medical team, and her family
and friends have enabled her to survive well beyond the normal five-year
survival rate.”
When ask if she gets angry with God
over having this on going battle with a cancer that its life expectancy is 6
months to a year, her reply is why not me?
She has stated that if M.D. Anderson’s prognosis is correct they have
never specifically stated when the countdown began, and “Marty said, I choose to believe it begins
today and then tomorrow will be today again.
I am a realist with an awareness and acceptance of reality, but I choose
to live my life knowing it is God who gives life and takes life, according to
His divine appointment.”
The apostle Paul understood a life of
suffering, look with me at verses 18-25, “For
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing
with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with
eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For
the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who
subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be
set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of
the children of God. For we know that the whole
creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the
first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as
sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.
Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope
for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
As an observer of Marty’s life she
lived out this Scripture, and she is learning the value of waiting patiently. Is your focus on the present suffering or the
glory that is to be revealed to us? Marty has some great quotes: “Choice is the most important word in life,”
“I choose always to give my personal utmost for His highest.”
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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