Last Saturday I was very stressed- unusually so. Worried about the little things, the big things, and all the things in between. How was I going to be able to return to work full- time while still anemic and immune- compromised? How was I going to have the energy next year for a larger class? And the bigger things- what is to become of my life now? What is to become of all my dreams? Where am I going? Will the cancer come back- will it come back someplace worse?
I was at mass in the morning and stayed an hour later just praying my rosary in the quiet of the near- empty church trying to regain some perspective and peace. Later on that day I received an email from Christina which spoke to my fears directly- I believe it was the notes from the homily at her church (* I have since found out that they are actually notes from a Christian pastor and his wife from Texas...). I was especially touched because the letter uses the term "out of nothing" several times, which translates to "ex nihilo"! So here is the love note I received...
Something Out of Nothing
Today's Scripture
“The earth was formless and void…and God said, Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:2-3).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Are you believing God for something today that seems impossible? We serve a great and mighty God. and He can create something out of nothing. He can make a way when there seems to be no way! Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But before He spoke the world into existence, it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful, too! He can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Remember, you are created in the image of almighty God. There’s power in your words, and there’s power when you’re in agreement with Him. Start saying what God says about your situation. Speak life to your broken dreams, today. Stay in an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, God will take you places that you’ve never dreamed, and you’ll live in victory all the days of your life!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, I trust that You are willing and able to make a way where there seems to be no way in my life. Fill me with Your peace and faith and give me a vision for all You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
5 comments:
We all go through times of uncertainty. I seem to attract it like brownies do black beans.
My first major crossroads came when my mother died. I hadn't reached my goals of finishing college and working for a newspaper. I was so stressed out that I didn't sleep very well during this time. I lost hair and got sick a lot. It was by the grace of God that I was able to keep it together and reach my goals.
I now find myself in somewhat uncertain times. I look back on that time after my mom died and try to use the lessons learned back then to help me now. What helped me last time was God and a fierce determination to finish college and be a photojournalist. That's a tough combination that can't be beat.
I know you can do it. Trust in God and yourself.
God Bless,
John
C sent me the same passage on thaqt same day, I think. Uncertain times can seem like a curse, but they are such a blessing.
This past year has really been challenging for me in lots of way, but I think everything happened to me because God loves me so much and just wanted more of my attention. I had to get on my knees (Well, I actually just run into my bed and curl up, clenching my pillow) and seek Him. I'm getting closer to God every single day. He's woo'ing me in the strangest ways.
Faith, you are such an amazing person that God just needed EVEN more of your attention. That's why you were blessed with Cancer. Your strength is inspiring, and I know you have it in you to reach your dreams and then some more. I just know it.
With all my love,
SheShe
I find I only see what God has done in my life in hindsight. In the moment, it all seems like chaos and nonsense, and my temptation is to impose my own sense of order, my own sense of what ought to be. But God's call is to trust -- not only to trust that he can and will do great and beautiful things with our nothings, but that he will also let us see his work when the time is right.
On the other hand, sometimes God's work in my life is much more obvious to others than it is to myself. And God's work in your life is very obvious to me: your faithfulness, your love, your willingness to walk the road ahead of you, even without knowing exactly where it leads. I admire you, and I do my best to emulate you. That's why I'm so eager for your prayers.
Wow, Faith. Wow is all I can express right now. It's late, I'm tired, but so inspired by your journey. And I love that quoted homily from the couple. I really needed to read it right now - It's truly amazing how God gives you what you need when you think He's forgotten about you.
Praying for you!
Chris G
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