Good morning…
Where was God on October 1st? Was He sleeping on the job or overpowered by His evil enemy? Did He step back for a second, letting painful pandemonium take center stage in Las Vegas?
When horrible happens, how do we trust that our ever-present, all-powerful God is still intimately at work? I remember a friend answering a similar question when she gave a talk at Northside Church in the spring of 2011.
“I feel like I’m walking around with an expiration date stamped on my forehead,” she said as she spoke to us thirteen months into her twelve to fifteen month cancer prognosis. Then she said something I will never forget. “I do not believe that God caused my cancer. But, I do believe He has allowed my cancer. I believe that God saw the cancer cells dividing in my brain and I believe He had the power to stop the cancer from growing, but for His own reasons He chose not to. It may sound crazy, but knowing that God allowed my cancer actually gives me great peace. Because God saw the cells dividing and He chose not to stop it, that means that cancer has become a part of God’s plan for my life.”
If we weave her line of thinking into the tragedy in Nevada, it would sound something like this: “I do not believe that God caused this horrendous massacre. But, I do believe He allowed the tragedy. I believe that God saw this 64 year old shooter concocting his evil plan, buying an army of guns, getting his arsenal in place, and I believe that God had the power to stop this cancerous cruelty from growing, but for His own reasons He chose not to. It may sound crazy, but knowing that God grants all people freedom of choice gives me great peace. Because God saw this heinous crime developing and He chose not to stop it, that means that free will is a part of God’s plan for our life.”
What about this line of thinking resonates with you? Repulses you? Renews you? Wrestle with God over your mixed emotions.
So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues (Philippians 1:22b, MSG).
…Sue…
P.S. Our faithful friend is now nearing the eight year mark in her cancer journey. Read below about Beth Jordan’s dream to create a Brain Tumor Center of Excellence in Atlanta so diagnosed patients and their families can stay close to home and receive life-saving treatment.
Personal Page Race Information Donate We are participating in the Winship Win the Fight 5K Run/Walk to raise money for Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, and we started a team so others can participate and fundraise for the Beth Jordan Brain Tumor Fund. Will you join us and be part of the team? The reason I’m so passionate about raising funds is because we all love Beth & Greg and the Jordan and Cooley families. Beth’s wish is a Brain Tumor Center of Excellence in Atlanta and we can all make a difference by reaching out to our wider circles of friends and families. When my mother had GBM, she was fortunate to live in Houston and did not have to travel for the highest quality of care.
Please click the link at the bottom of this email to join our team today. If you can’t join the team or walk , please consider making a donation to one of the team members. You can also be part of the team if you are not available on Oct 14th.
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths. There is no time like today to help us “Win the Fight” against cancer!
Thank you in advance for your consideration,
Brooke LeBow
P.S. Ask your employer if there is a matching gift program that can double your donation!
Enter company name to search for matching gift eligibility by clicking this link.Click here to visit my personal page.
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