God’s Purpose Prevails, January 24
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Ashley Taylor
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).
Have you ever heard the Yiddish Proverb, “Man plans, and God laughs?” It took me a while to learn the message behind these words. We live in such a fast-paced world, and expectations are high. I have always been someone who is on the go from the time my feet hit the floor until I drop back into bed fast asleep. My daily “to do” list has always been extensive, and at times impossible. I have found myself frustrated and disappointed when I could not complete those lists, or when my plans did not go as expected or didn’t happen at all. Have you experienced these feelings?
When I found out I would need chemotherapy to treat my breast cancer, I thought about hair loss and nausea. I did not realize the extreme fatigue I might have, and I expected to keep my normal pace—or at least close to it. During my treatments, especially the first week after each treatment, I quickly began to understand the words of Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” My normal energy was completely depleted. There were days that I was doing great if I could shower and get dressed, have my devotion time, do a load of laundry, and maybe help with dinner. Some days, the highlight of my day was having lunch with my mom and taking a nap.
Not being able to do what I normally would was depressing. I wanted to be able to jump up from my chair to clean the house, work in the yard, exercise, and run errands. It is discouraging to see the things around you that need to be done and not have the energy to do them. I had to let go of concerns like the house not being kept up in my usual way. God did not want me to waste my energy focusing on the trivial things.
I had ideas of what I wanted to accomplish during these months, but God’s purpose would be victorious. He wanted me to slow down, heal, take care of myself, and relish the simple, precious joys in life, like holding hands with my husband, watching the sunset, sharing history trivia night with my family, and having friends visit. Most importantly, He wanted me to remember that His will is best, and He has great plans for me.
Instead of focusing on all the things that were not getting done, I learned that my best days began with quiet time with God, reading my daily devotional and being in prayer. I praised Him for the new day and being able to get out of bed to enjoy the day. It is His “to do” list that is important. When I submit to His will and pray for His guidance, I feel the kind of peace that only He can give. How do you start the day?
Pray: Almighty God, we praise You for Your amazing love and the great plans You have for us. Help us remember that Your will for us is always perfect and victorious. Amen.
Your Turn: Sit back and listen to the words of Jonny Diaz’s song, “Breathe.” Give your heart to Jesus, ask Him to guide your days, and feel His peace wash over you.
Ashley Taylor, Cancer Survivor
Ashley is married to James, and they have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. All four are big Tar Heel fans, having attended the same school, UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2020 Ashley obtained her roofing license to help with her family's business. She is a breast cancer survivor. She has been grateful for the opportunity to join the devo team for Cancer Companions, to reach out to others for God’s glory for His goodness in her cancer journey.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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