Why Do We Need God?

Why Do We Need God? Because we have more than we can handle. It's as simple as that.

When people say God will never give you more than you can handle, they mean well, but they are completely wrong. Where is that in the bible? The only place is where it talks about TEMPTATION - that He will make a way of escape. He didn't say you could handle everything.

Who can handle being addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, or anything else? Addicts go to support meetings and are given a support buddy and encouragement to find a 'higher' power.

Who can handle the death of a loved one, knowing you will never see them again on earth? Never talk to them again, never have the chance to make things right, if needed?

In fact, I would go so far as to say if you can handle everything life throws at you, you are not living the Christian life God has for you. But then, neither was I.

With my cancer diagnosis, I can never be sure, ever, that it is over. And so I deal with my own mortality on a daily basis. And it is much more than I can handle.

I don't want to die from cancer. I've seen people die from it, it's not pretty. I'm scared. I can't handle it, and there is no place to turn. Doctors can't give me reassurance, my family can't stop me from dying, and all my research on cancer 'prevention' only shows that the medical community can't even make up its mind on what causes cancer, let alone how to prevent it.

Oh, there are all kinds of theories - build up your immune system with antioxidants so cancer can be fought off. Wait a minute, don't take antioxidants because that can feed your cancer, especially if you're susceptible to cancer. (Well, since I've had cancer so I would say I'm susceptible.)

Don't be overweight, that makes you more susceptible to cancer. (Then why don't all fat people get cancer?) Sugar gives you cancer - the cancer feeds off sugar. Oops, wait, go back to real sugar and don't have any fake sugar, that's what gives you cancer.

And on and on it goes. What is a person to do?! The latest I've read is that iodine deficiency can cause you to get cancer, especially breast cancer. However, it's really hard to check for iodine deficiency. But I have been diagnosed with hypothyroid a few years before my cancer diagnosis. Hmmm, maybe there's something to this one? Should I get more iodine in my diet? But I gotta be careful, too much iodine is as bad as too little!

I AM DRIVING MYSELF CRAZY!

I am trying to run everywhere but to the One I need to be running to! There is only one refuge, only one Person who can help me when I feel this panic start to rise up in me.  When this urgent need comes on me to do something to save myself but there is no clear cut path to take, what do I do then?!

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe."

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength..."

God's word comes to me in these moments of panic. God is showing me that the only place I can remain safe is in Him. I may still die from cancer, but He will see me through it.  

Only by His grace and might and strength and power can I make it. As the bible says: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love..."

The only place for me to run is to His word, and then to live a life of faith. "Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."  -  "The just shall live by faith..."

Are you living a life you can handle? Or is it too much for you?   

When you cannot handle what life has thrown, it's time to go to the Throne. 

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I don't know why but I can't seem to reply to posts on my own blog anymore! So I'll put my replies here:

Thanks, Gayle and Marsha! I appreciate the prayers!

Love,
Christine 

Radiation Effects

It's now been one week and one day since my last radiation treatment. And I feel terrible.

Not only have I dealt with bronchitis for the last 12 days, with coughing and fever, the radiation side effects are now also full blast.

I was told that after radiation my skin would have the appearance of a sunburn, and like a sunburn, it would peel. However, this is nothing like any sunburn I have ever had in my life!

My skin is the deepest red I have ever seen and it is peeling ... and bleeding! Showering is pure torture, as is anytime the bandage must be changed! I have to be careful of a skin infection now.

If they had told me it would be like this I never would have agreed to radiation! I have to wear a patch on the most sensitive parts of my body, but I thank God for it, as it is the only way I get any relief!

I have stopped all my lymphedema exercises as I am waiting for my left underarm area and breast to heal. I am praying that the lymphedema does not make my arm or fingers swell while I wait for my radiated skin to heal.

And I keep coughing...and coughing, and coughing.

Thank God for this bandage!