When I was a young child, I was diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, it was thought to be incurable and I was given three days to live. I endured more than a year of chemotherapy. During that time, many people prayed for me, and my faith filled parents chose to believe that God is who He says He is, Jehovah Rapha, “the Lord who heals you”. Presented with this deadly situation, everyone affected had the opportunity to cower, to surrender, to mourn and give into their feelings, but we didn’t. We weren’t so strong on our own, but the power who raised Christ from the dead lives in us, and His strength became ours.
At some point in my healing journey, sometime after I hadn’t died by the third day, doctors suggested that my right leg be amputated at the knee. I had lymphoma and, though it was spread throughout my body, my knee was consumed. Amputation could mean a better chance at survival. Even so, my leg was not amputated. Today, some 27 years later, I am alive. I also have a new knee, supernaturally given to me by God…it regrew! How’s that for Jehovah Rapha sticking to his word?
In times of uncertainty, we may find ourselves faced with the choice to be led by our emotions or the Spirit of God. As we do the good work of looking our emotions in the face and examining them for truth, we can be assured that we do this without any reason for condemnation, no matter what we find lurking in our thoughts. God does not condemn us, so let’s not condemn ourselves. But let’s be brave and strong, and tell our emotions the truth, regardless of how we’re feeling. The reality is, either He is the Truth or our feelings are…they will not both have the final say.
So today, as we face uncertainty in our Nation and around the world, we, as believers in Christ, are given a choice: will we bend our ear to fear, doubt, and anxiety and make choices out of those emotions? Or, will we, the mighty ones with the power that raises Christ from the dead living inside us, light up so brightly with faith in who God is that we shine for all to see? What if, rather than agreeing with fear and panic, we shine so brightly that viruses are eradicated and sick people are made well? If God is our Father, our emotions don’t have to rule us. We have a standing invitation to bring our brokenness, doubt and fear before Father God and ask that he bring our emotions in line with his truth. And he promises to be faithful to complete that good work in each of us (Philippians 1:6).
Let’s celebrate some good news, then! Jesus is on his throne and he reigns, even when we don’t understand our circumstances. I’m including several verses (in The Passion Translation) that continue to set my thoughts on the truth during difficult, trying and fearful times:
Psalm 91: All of this chapter is life giving and I encourage you to spend some time meditating on it, but verses 9-13 are especially relevant to our world’s current situation.
“When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High, our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm. How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us? God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm. If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you and keep you from stumbling. You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness, trampling every one of them beneath your feet!”
Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.”
Romans 8:28, “So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.”
Hebrews 12:2, “ We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!”
Amanda Brown is a resident of Makanda, Illinois where she shares her home with her husband, Zeek, and their two beloved doggos. Originally from Wisconsin, Amanda moved to Cairo, Illinois after her college graduation in 2010, and has been in Southern Illinois since. Her husband, also a transplant to Southern Illinois (originally from Florida), shares her passion to dig deep into and celebrate what the Lord is doing in this region and they are happy to call Southern Illinois home. Amanda was healed of cancer as a small child, after originally being given only three days to live. She grew up knowing the power of the Holy Spirit because of this miracle, and learning to walk in communion with God. During her time in Cairo, Amanda experienced the life altering gift of community and authenticity, which developed a passion within her to see people know their dynamic identity in Christ and live confident, free lives. She is equally devoted to racial reconciliation and unity in the body of Christ. Amanda believes that authenticity and laughter are two of Heaven’s best gifts, and can often be found prattling on and giggling about the difficulties of being an adult over a cup of good coffee.