Keep Running

This day started off as a traumatic one for me. Over the past couple of days, I have been battling increasing pain due to a large ovarian cyst that had invaded my body a few months ago. At midnight last night, I could not bear it any longer. I headed into emergency. I didn't realize how traumatic of an experience it would be for me to head back into the same hospital where I set up residence for two weeks contending, believing, and caring for Mom. I immediately burst into tears when I walked through those doors. The pain of that battle was too fresh.

I spent all night in the hospital. As I attempted to rest throughout the night on a very uncomfortable seat, in that moment (I admit) I felt like I was living in a nightmare. Although this feeling overwhelmed me for a short period of time, I cannot deny the peace and security that I felt in the midst of it. I am placing my trust in the Lord. I know that there is nothing in me that can handle this time in my life. I am too weak. But the Lord is my strength. Although, my mind understands that everything has been crashing down on me, my heart feels held and safe.

The author of the book of Hebrews compares our journey with God to running a race; as does Paul in his writings. Hebrews 12:1 states, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Right now I feel like I am running through a minefield. I cannot carelessly run this race, especially now. I need to press onward and be alert to the schemes of the enemy to try and throw me off of the path that the Lord has set before me. As I run, Mom is now cheering me on in that great cloud of witnesses.

My time in hospital today ended with a miracle (I am believing one of many). In October, I had an ultrasound which reported that I had a large complex cyst. Today, after the doctor stated that she had "good news", she shared that the results of this current ultrasound showed a large simple cyst... not complex! Praise the Lord! I'm believing for that to shrink! It was a little bit of light in a dark valley that we have been in.

You may feel like you are running through a minefield at the moment. But don't give up! Keep running the race! Press onward. Stay alert. Trust the Lord to light your path. He will give you the strength you need to finish your race.