Cloud Cover, October 31
By Thomas Sherrod
I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you (Isaiah 44:22 NKJV).
I have a confession to make. Many times, my prayer life consists of asking God for answers or actions I need to take. Of course, God gladly receives and honors any prayers. However, I often treat God as a guru dispensing good advice or pearls of wisdom that I must implement. Yes, I return to the Lord. Yet, I still believe it is up to me to be more loving or forgiving or whatever direction God reveals. Consequently, I continue to run on the treadmill of good works, getting more exhausted every day. God is not about giving me one more chance to “get it right.” God does not love me for my good works. He invites me into intimate fellowship with Him. He seeks to walk with me, empower me and share life with me as I follow His lead. Otherwise, it appears the praise for my good works belongs to me for my valiant effort and not to Him. Does this sound familiar?
I love Isaiah! The prophet eloquently espouses the word of God. I love the image of God providing a heavy cloud cover on a blistering hot day. Sometimes our sin feels like the blistering noontime sun weighing us down and draining us of strength. God’s forgiveness is described as a thick cloud cover offering welcome relief from the burden of sin and shame. God calls His people home. He says, “Return to Me.” Why? He celebrates that our sins have been blotted out and we have a safe, cool place to return to. Does returning sound easy? It is not. I am prone to “beat myself up.” I ask myself, “How could I have done that?” I can be a harsh judge, while God yearns for me to bask in the comfort of His loving arms.
Cancer can feel like a searing hot burden on your soul. You may feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. You may ask, “How can I make it one more hour?” You might be like me, quick to blame yourself. The last thing you need on your cancer walk is to carry the weight of past failures. Let the soothing words of Isaiah offer you a different vision. God has provided a thick cloud cover of forgiveness and love to remove your self-flagellations. The cool breeze of His mercy and grace seeks to refresh your spirit.
Pray: Lord, help me to invite You to walk with me and empower me through each moment. Thank You for enabling me to live the abundant life. Help me to take each step under the shelter of Your cloud cover. Thank You for the privilege of traveling this road home with You! Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God for the courage to say, “Walk with me, Lord.” Thank God for providing a constant cover of forgiveness in this fallen world.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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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