Peace & Provision
“You keep [her] in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because [she] trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ESV
I’m going out on a limb here and guessing that if you have this verse highlighted or committed to memory, it’s because there have been some dark/anxious/valley-filled days along your path. A friend sent it to me last year during a difficult time, and I cannot overstate the impact that single verse has had on my life. I can testify the truth to this “perfect peace” He promises. I can also testify that when your mind wanders for even a moment, that peace can leave and the enemy fills the void in an instant.
Let’s just suppose that perhaps this scenario is very fresh on my heart. Perhaps it has been a tougher week for Momma, and perhaps I’m already a little worn. What I can say if this were to be true is that letting the enemy get that foothold and allowing all the what-ifs to start is not good. Not even a little bit good to help “process” all of this. Our God is so full of mercy and grace that even in the midst of trying to worry and not sleep and searching (literally – thanks a lot, Google) for answers on my own accord, He called me back to Himself with “I will keep you in perfect peace, Devin. Trust ME.”
It doesn’t matter how organized and prepared and care-taking I can try to be. I am not enough. I am not intended to be enough. Only HE is enough. HE has woven all our lives together from before we were glimmers. HE holds everything together. I can drop those heavy loads I was never intended to bear, and place them at HIS feet. HE provides.
A dear friend pointed out the beauty in a situation that I was telling her about at church this morning – the situation that hurled me down the path of “what-ifs.” I completely missed seeing the provision that was abundant. Without going into details, one of mom’s BFFs (in every sense of the word) came for a visit on Saturday. Her timing couldn’t have been better, and she couldn’t have been better equipped to do what needed to be done. I couldn’t be there – I wouldn’t have known to be there. But, our Father knew who needed to be there. And she was there. And I am thankful.
Now for the up-coming. Wednesday is the next treatment day (#3 of 4, Adriamycin & Cytoxan). Chemo in the morning, followed by a visit with the surgical oncologist in the afternoon. Transportation both ways has been covered (such a PRAISE – the blessings of friends and family are abundant). Please pray specifically that Mom’s appetite returns while she visits so I can feed her well and pray boldly that she won’t suffer mouth sores with her next treatment. These sores are contributing to weakness (Boost and Ensure can only give you so much energy) and simply hurt (any suggestions for helping with these would be greatly appreciated).
And, because it wouldn’t be an update without a picture of food…this is my kitchen right now. If you are me, it makes perfect sense to make king cake when you get home from a meeting at church (www.littlefeetconsignment.org shameless plug).
Love to you all,
Devin
