As I face breast cancer, I’ve become extremely aware of the battle going on in my mind. When my focus is on the “loss” or “losses” I’m facing, I begin to feel, well, like a “loser.” But God has been so patient and kind with me and has gently reminded me that …

He never takes something from me without giving me something better in return.

I could think of it this way … what if I chose not to let the doctors take from me this cancerous mass? What if I felt like, “Oh no, that would cause me pain, complicate my life and disfigure me, so I’m going to reject they’re recommendation to have it removed” …

Would I be better off?

As I’ve struggled at times to come to terms with this disease and, even harder the discouragement that nips at my heels, God has also challenged me to think about the times He’s taken from me or allowed painful circumstances in my life in the past. I did something of an internal audit and couldn’t think of a single painful time or loss in my past that God hasn’t given me something so much better, richer and deeper in its place in the long run. (And no, I’m not talking about material wealth, easier life or prosperity in worldly terms!)

So, very much like the photo above, I lift up my hands and let the “seeds” of my future fall to the ground—letting Christ plant, grow and multiply wherever He desires.

What hard losses are you facing?

What is it about your marriage that seems more like of a prison that you can’t escape or an empty, hollow longing that’s never going to be fulfilled?

Maybe that’s God’s reminder to recognize that not every “empty” space in this life is a bad thing!

The ultimate empty place was the tomb where Christ defeated death and sin—so that you and I would never have to live empty lives or have abandoned and useless existences.  

So, tell me, what has God ‘given’ you in your losses?

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” –2 Cor. 4:16-18 (NIV)

“‘I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.’” –John 12:24-25 (NIV)

If you’re interested in following my spiritual and medical journey through cancer, you can find my Caringbridge page here – Messymammogram. I’d love to have your encouragement and prayer support! You cannot begin to know how valuable that is to my heart!

photo by Anna_KKK

Linking up with – NOBH, Momma Notes, Marriage Mondays, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Living Proverbs 31, Monday’s Musings, Playdates with God and Marriage Monday