CONTENTMENT

I think of all the lessons I have learned over my life and then wonder why I forget what I have learned from them. One of the things I have learned is to be content whatever the situation, and for the most part I try to be, but there are always those times when it is hard. I guess one of the hardest times was when I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and given a prognosis of only living for another three to twelve months. But then I am reminded that the first words out of my mouth when they first mentioned that dreaded word, was ”My God is greater than any cancer”! That is why I can stand in faith believing that God is taking away the cancer cells ant that I will be healed and then be able to testify of His goodness and give Him the glory He deserves.

I am also reminded of the words Paul spoke in Philippians 4:11, “ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” And in verses 12 and 13, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”


What a wonderful reminder this is and I try to apply it every day, and for the most part I do remember. But on the days when life gets me down, I sometimes do forget. But then I also think of how I have been so blessed with such a wonderful family and such wonderful friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord, who love me and show their love in many ways. So how could I not be content when I remember all this. In fact, I was meditating on this the other day when the Lord gave me two poems that I would like to share with you.

CONTENT

In every situation
Just learn to be content
Knowing God is in control
And orders each event

It may be just to test you
To see you’ll react
Or maybe just to show you
That nothing you have lacked

For He is more than able
To furnish every need
But you must learn to trust Him
And let your heart be freed

Freed to fellowship with Him
And walk with Him each day
As you draw closer to Him
And He shows you His way

Listening for instructions
On what He’d have you do
And then to be obedient
And always follow through

And even during hard times
He always is right there
That you might know contentment
For you are in His care

Kay Smith Crouch




FEAR THOU NOT

“Fear thou not, for I am with you”
Thus says the Lord your God
He will strengthen you and help you
Along the paths you trod

Guiding and protecting you
Throughout both day and night
For His eyes are upon you
You’re precious in His sight

Giving you abundant life
Now and eternally
Because you choose to walk with Him
And you have been set free

Free to follow His commands
As He leads you each day
By listening and obeying
And living life His way

Though there’ll be tests and trials
Throughout your earthly life
Since He is always with you
You’ll weather every strife

For greater is He in you
And He will always say
“Fear thou not, My precious one
You’re in My heart to stay”

Kay Smith Crouch

I pray that one of both of these poems will bless you.

ANOTHER GOOD REPORT

It has been about six weeks since I last wrote about what was going on with me physically, and now it is time for another report. Last Tuesday morning I had another 5 liters of fluid drained out of my abdomen (another 12 pounds, too) and it made me feel so much more comfortable. You can imagine all the pressure it put on my other organs, etc.

Then on Thursday went to the Doctor, and I’m glad to report that, other than the fluid buildup, everything was great. My vital signs were all okay, my lungs are clear, and she was very pleased – and surprised. Do not have to go back until Oct 30th – that’s 7 weeks. Isn’t that great?

Have to tell you, too, that one of my friends told me that God showed her that when they drained the fluid out, they were also taking the cancer cells out. And she did not know anything about my going to have the fluid drained on Tuesday. How is that for more confirmation? Don’t know how many more times that fluid will have to be drained, if any, but it is a comforting and encouraging word.

My Pastor often told us that “the truth is we walk in divine health, but the fact is that sometimes we have symptoms”. Guess we all need to remember that sometimes since everyone goes through times of having symptoms at one time or another. It is nice to know, though, that our God is in control and that He promises to always take us THROUGH these trials as He works in us to bring about His plans and purpose for our lives, even though we do not always understand.

It might be a while before the proof of this third miracle comes about – but just knowing that my family and so many of my friends are praying for me is such a comfort. And there are even friends of my daughter who have bit even met me that send me cards and loving messages. What a blessing that is.

God is so good and I give Him honor and glory for all He is doing in my life, and in the lives of my family and friends.

To finish, here is a poem the Lord gave to me that is a comfort to me, to my family, and I hope a comfort to every one who reads it.

BECAUSE YOU KNOW

Because you know your Saviour lives
You need not be afraid
For Jesus holds you in His hand
And your debt He has paid

That you not fear the future
But know that every day
He is your constant companion
And He will guide your way

For when you’re walking with Him
And listening to His voice
You will know His peace and love
And your heart will rejoice

He’ll give you every thing you need
To make it through each day
Living one day at a time
As He leads you His way

And even when the trials come
You know He’ll see you through
No matter what you’re facing
His grace He’ll give to you

As you surrender daily
That His plans you fulfill
Because you know He loves you
And that He always will

Kay Smith Crouch