The Valley of Blessing
On Memorial Day my Aunt Sandy asked me an interesting question that I have thought about every day since. Her question was, “Are you ready for the battle?” Wow, a battle. That sounds serious and kind of scary. But she’s right, it is a battle. And I’m doing my best to prepare for what lies ahead...physically, mentally, and spiritually. But the truth is, the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord.
I’m reading through a book Julie M. recommended to me called, “Grace for Each Hour; Through the Breast Cancer Journey”. Yesterday the scripture reference was from 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat got word that 3 mighty armies were mounting an attack against him and he cried out to God and God said, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours but Gods.”
Then God did something that I think shows He has a sense of humor…He instructed King Jehoshaphat to put a choir at the front of his army and have them sing praises to God. That doesn’t seem like a real practical strategy to me. In fact, I can just see the other armies mocking them…I mean really, they must have looked like a bunch of sissies. But as God’s people sang praises to Him, the other armies began fighting against each other! They killed each other off, while not one Israelite was injured. After it was all over there was so much plunder that it took the Israelites 3 days to collect it all. They named the spot where it all took place the Valley of Blessing.
Singing praises to the Lord is taking on a whole new meaning to me. I listen to praise and worship music on and off throughout the day and I envision a mighty battle going on inside of me. As I sing praises to God, I see the cancer fighting against itself. It’s mass chaos in there! Those stinking cells don’t stand a chance against my God!
When this is all over, I pray that I can look back and call this time my Valley of Blessing.
“Do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I’m reading through a book Julie M. recommended to me called, “Grace for Each Hour; Through the Breast Cancer Journey”. Yesterday the scripture reference was from 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat got word that 3 mighty armies were mounting an attack against him and he cried out to God and God said, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours but Gods.”
Then God did something that I think shows He has a sense of humor…He instructed King Jehoshaphat to put a choir at the front of his army and have them sing praises to God. That doesn’t seem like a real practical strategy to me. In fact, I can just see the other armies mocking them…I mean really, they must have looked like a bunch of sissies. But as God’s people sang praises to Him, the other armies began fighting against each other! They killed each other off, while not one Israelite was injured. After it was all over there was so much plunder that it took the Israelites 3 days to collect it all. They named the spot where it all took place the Valley of Blessing.
Singing praises to the Lord is taking on a whole new meaning to me. I listen to praise and worship music on and off throughout the day and I envision a mighty battle going on inside of me. As I sing praises to God, I see the cancer fighting against itself. It’s mass chaos in there! Those stinking cells don’t stand a chance against my God!
When this is all over, I pray that I can look back and call this time my Valley of Blessing.
“Do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
posted by Janice @ 10:51 AM
2 Comments:
At Tue Jun 20, 05:13:00 PM,
Diane said…
Ah - the power of the church choir! ha!
Just wanted you to know I'm praying for you. You will be victorious.
Diane B.
At Wed Jun 21, 03:01:00 PM,
Janice said…
Linda, you are an encouragment to me too. It was so nice of you and Pastor Mark to hang out all night at the softball fields! Thanks for being such a great prayer warrior. Love ya, Janice
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