Daily Delight
For the past two or so years, I have struggled with various health issues and was recently diagnosed with cancer. When I felt poorly, I would get angry with myself and ask God for another body.
"God, I'd like a redo. This body is broken. I need a new one."
Prior to this, I had a lot of energy. I prided myself on how much I could take on. I felt and lived as if I was unstoppable.
Then I got sick.
It is hard to rely on your own strength when your body won’t cooperate. I had to start saying no. I had to limit what I could do. I had to rely a lot on others for help. It has been a very humbling time that has brought me to my knees.
This is where God wanted me to be.
One night during prayer He whispered to me- “You are made perfect in weakness.” When I got a chance, I pulled up 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
I didn’t understand what God was trying to tell me. How would this trial of illness perfect me? Through more prayer, I realized that this illness pushed me closer to God. I was a girl who trusted in her own abilities and strength. I loved Him, but I thought I could do it all with little assistance from Him. This also carried over to relationships with my friends and family. I thought I needed no one. Illness broke my pride and brought me to a place of humility. In that broken place, God was there. I stayed close to Him, relying on Him for everything. He used my friends to show His love and mercy towards me. I went through my first round of treatment with peace, knowing that he would care for me. I no longer had to rely on myself.
I never thought cancer would be a blessing. Without it, I would not understand how much God loved me and how much I needed Him. So when you face trials, don’t try to run from them. Instead, run to God. He will be there to carry you through and push you to a place of love and trusting in Him.
{photo: @dan_musat}
About the Author
Alexis is a 34 year old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, rollercoasters and adventures. Originally from Marietta GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA where she works as a recreation therapist at Valley Children's. Alexis enjoys teaching and encouraging kids that they can do and be anything they want, despite their disability.
When not at work, you can find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip. Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and a cancer diagnosis.