Empowered by God, February 19
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Karen Wonders
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 BSB).
My husband and I got married soon after we graduated from college. We had big aspirations for our lives. We both wanted to be university professors. We both wanted four children. We both wanted to run a marathon. We both felt that with a little bit of hard work and lots of luck, we could make these dreams a reality.
When I was expecting my fourth child, it seemed as if this life plan of ours was coming together. I had been working as a professor for the last six years, and doors had also recently opened for my husband to get a job teaching at a local university. Although I had not run a marathon yet, I did spend a great deal of time running around my house after little ones. Life seemed to be falling into place just the way we had planned.
It was right around this time that God made it clear that He had a different plan for our life. This plan included both starting a non-profit organization and increasing the size of our family. It seemed to me that the details of this plan did not really go together very well. I felt that individually they would work, but together it would be chaos. Yet, He was calling us to do both.
“Would I ever sleep again?” I wondered. It all seemed impossible.
And to be honest, it was impossible. At least impossible on our own, anyway.
In our own strength, we could never do all the things God had called us to.
But with God, nothing is impossible (see Matthew 19:26). And that night, as I questioned Him, He gently reminded me that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (see Philippians 4:13). I can do all the things He has called me to—because He says so! He who calls us is faithful and He will see it to completion! (See 1 Thessalonians 5:24.) He will equip us with everything we need to do His will (see Hebrews 13:21).
God desires for His children to bear much fruit. It is His will that we live abundant lives. This truth does not change because cancer has come into our lives. He has a plan for each of us. Sometimes this plan will stretch us far beyond our comfort zone. But it is when we step out of this comfort zone that we glorify Him! If we acknowledge and believe Him, and allow Him to lead us, God will act! He will give us the power we need to live the life He planned.
Is God calling you to a place beyond your comfort zone? What steps will you take today to trust in His plan for your life? Remember, even with baby steps, you can still go anywhere He wants you to go! We must do our part by trusting and obeying Him, and He will do this by giving us strength to reach that goal!
Pray: Father God, help me to step out of my comfort zone and follow Your plan for my life. Remove any fear that is holding me back. Help me to step out in faith, knowing that You will direct my steps and lead me in the way you have planned for me to go! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your Turn: Where is God calling you to do the impossible? Will you ask Him for strength to do it?
Karen Y. Wonders, PhD, FACSM, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, and Professor/Program Director of Exercise Physiology at Wright State University. Her passion is to advocate for exercise as part of the national standard of care for cancer. Her non-profit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors every month (www.mapletreecanceralliance.org). Dr. Wonders and her husband have 7 children—aged 16 and younger. If you think her hands are full, you should see her heart!
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