It's Day 6 of Matt's Chemo Regimen
#TeamMatt:
Here we are. It’s been 12 days of sitting with our new reality and today is Day 6 of Matt’s first chemo regimen. It is a 24-hour continuous infusion that will go for 28 days. Our hope and prayer is that he will get to come “home” to us here at our apartment right down from the hospital on Day 9 or 10 (next Tuesday or Wednesday).
Sitting in the stillness this morning, I found myself reading the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Before I started reading, I wrote down a list of things I am grateful for today and then prayed for God to speak to me - really, really speak to me. I needed to hear from him.
As I read from Matthew 14 (verses 13-21), here’s what I heard:
Jesus retreated to a desolate place and the crowd followed him there, where he had compassion on them and healed their sick. He has called us to follow him into an unknown, isolated place as well - but He is leading the way and remains with us. His compassion is abundant. I see it; give me eyes to see and ears to hear it more.
Jesus told his disciples: “Give them something to eat.” The crowd was more than 5,000 in number and the disciple’s resources were minimal, nearly non-existent. I hear him asking me to meet the need here; to be resilient and “feed” Matt and my family. I also know my resources aren’t enough; alone I am ill-prepared to meet the challenge before me.
Jesus said, “Bring me what you have.” He took all that they had, which wasn’t much, looked toward the heavens and blessed it. The crowd then ate in abundance, with leftovers.
So today, I sit my loaves and fish before Jesus in obedience, knowing that alone I cannot accomplish what he has called me to do. I bring my faith and my fear. I bring my belief and unbelief. I bring my joy and sorrow. Lord, bless it and let the abundance of your presence fill us to the brim and overflow for your glory. Thank you for speaking to me through your word and your people.
Amen