I have been considering thankfulness a lot this week. Specifically, how I could possibly be thankful in a season filled with things that I wish weren’t happening. I have found myself praying “God, I know that I’m supposed to be thankful for everything, yet how can I possibly be thankful for cancer?” This awful disease provokes zero gratitude…rather, pain, hopelessness, and often fear. In the face of heartache, how can I be thankful?
My answer is found in the knowledge that I have been already delivered from this fear:
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
This is how I can thank God for the cancer: as I am blessedly pushed to greater dependence on Him in the midst of this season, I seek him more, and as I seek him more the fear is gone, and God’s indescribable grace becomes both how I am and what I am most thankful for in this season.
Blessed beyond blessed with so much to be thankful for in this moment by moment life…
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanking God for you and your darling family. Thank you for sharing your life and the ever increasing power of the gospel – and even more so when faced with the unthinkable. Love you.
May God bless you and your family with many rememberances of His grace and fill your hearts continually with this thankfulness you have continued to have display through the valley you are walking in. Thankful for you and your testimony of God’s sustaining power through sorrow and difficulty.
My dear Elle: not only are you beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. God gave Chase the right Mom and the right family. Blessings to you and yours on this day of thanks, and possibly we do not need to be thankful for cancer; but for the friends, family and doctors, nurses and people who love you all. I will constantly pray for cancer to be transformed in Chases’ body to love, health and vibrancy. you will never really know how much so many people care about you all, and wish we could do whatever to change this for you.
please tell Darcy, Ian, Chase and Karsten happy holiday season all year long. in God’s and Jesus’ name, I am maralee, God’s child. love you much
Dearest Ellie, Bob and all the Ewolts,
Your perspective during this trying time is breathtaking. I’m glad Chase go to go home for Thanksgiving. Thank you God! You all are being honest while showing your reliance on God.
We love you all very much and pray God’s special blessing on your family this season of thankfulness.
We love you, kiss Chase for us,
Tricia and The DeJongs
In 2010 both my Granny and my Mum had cancer. The one thing I was most thankful for during both cancer journeys was simple that I was walking this valley with Jesus. I simply can’t imagine this kind of journey without Christ. I don’t know how people do it. For me it made me more thankful for my relationship with Jesus than before.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us.