Last month, I had a tumor removed from my left arm (I'm right handed). Testing showed that it was malignant and that they didn't get it all, so this week, I had a followup surgery to try to get the rest. We're waiting to find out how successful that was. We know the cancer hasn't spread to my lungs (the most likely place) but we'll want to check elsewhere, too.
Besides death, I had most feared losing functionality in my hand, which the surgeon had said was likely. But by God's mercy, that didn't happen - I'm typing with both hands right now, and I just played a few chords on the guitar. I'm still icing the arm constantly, but I'm so thankful that my hand still works.
Elijah and I have been part of a weekly men's Bible study for years, and lately we're in 1 Peter. This passage is particularly encouraging, and I intend to memorize it.
[1Pe 1:3-7 ESV] 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
A few reflections:
- By God's grace, our inheritance in Christ can't fail, and we can't fail to obtain it.
- When we eat good food, smell flowers, and hear the wind in the tree tops, Earth seems good. But the One who made those things did not make us to lose them forever. Our heavenly home will be even better!
- Believers have trials. But only if necessary, and only for a litle while. Like a good surgeon, God cuts us only enough to do us good.
- As we trust God through trials, we learn and show that God is our real treasure. One day we will praise and enjoy him fully.