Journaling Scripture . . . November Scripture Writing Plan

HAPPY NOVEMBER!

This year, we are studying the promises given by God as we journey through the Bible. If you began working with me in January, you have journaled over 300 of God’s promises. This month, we’ll discover 30 more of God’s promises.

This month, one of the verses we are examining is John 16:20. Let’s examine this promise from God together.

 

In the preceding verses, Jesus knew that the disciples wanted an explanation for what was about to happen. To endure the coming crisis, they needed their hearts and minds prepared.

He was aware that they would suffer—from losing a friend, from seeing their Master and Messiah humiliated, from seeing His enemies appear to have won, and from losing hope. It would be difficult and at times intolerable to witness the crucifixion and everything that followed.

They would be in great distress when the crucifixion actually happened, but their grief would be transformed into joy following the resurrection. It was the means by which the master’s plan would come to pass, not merely an obstacle in the road.

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Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year.  The shorter autumn days bring with them the promise of colorful foliage, crisp air, and all things pumpkin.  I’ve never been one for the pumpkin spice things, but I love the fall smells.  However, this year feels different.

If you haven’t learned already, I received a breast cancer diagnosis in March of 2022.  This last year and a half has been filled with appointments, sickness, tears, surgeries, treatments, uncertainty, fatigue, challenges, etc.  It has at times thrown my entire mind, body, soul, and spirit out of whack.

I’ve worked hard to learn about the disease and how to help my body overcome and support the healing of my entire being with God’s help.  You see, battling cancer—or any chronic illness, for that matter—affects not just your physical health but also your entire being.  It also affects every aspect of your life.

For those who don’t know, six years ago, I was also struck by lightning.  I was in reasonably good health prior to all of this, and I could go whenever I needed to and do my tasks.  Then everything in my life was turned upside down, and my life as I knew it came to a screeching halt.  Things that had come naturally to me had to be re-learned.  To allow my body to heal, I needed to learn more about rest. It took me longer to rethink and think creatively than it did to perform daily tasks.  My likes, dislikes, and personality have all seemed to change in a flash (pun intended J).

Just when I felt like I was starting to feel somewhat like my old self, I was given a cancer diagnosis. I remember telling God, “I was just starting to feel better, now this. I don’t know how to fight cancer. You know what you’re doing. You helped me through the lightning strike, so you can get me through the cancer.”

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Autumn is a beautiful season with lessons to learn. As the days grow shorter, the leaves die off, and the days become colder let us remember when all looks like its dying, seeds are being planted.  Their growth won’t be noticeable for a few months, but it will become apparent in the spring.

There are seasons of life that are very difficult to endure, and some may even cause you to think you are dying.  I know I had to process that thought and come to grips with it.

When faced with a life-threatening illness like cancer, we are forced to face facts and questions that force us to take stock of our lives and consider the possibilities and relevance of the sickness.  It certainly changes your perspective.

Cancer was not in God’s plan. It is a result of our fallen world.  One day, He will put an end to it forever.  For now, however, it exists and affects about one-third of the population at some point in their lives.

I understand that God isn’t in heaven telling me to toughen up and get over it.  He is with me by my side, crying when I cry at the brokenness of my body.  I know this because my God is filled with compassion, making a difference (Jude 1:22).  He wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35), even though He knew the outcome.  I know that He is touched by my grief, and one day will turn my sorrows into joy (John 16:20).

These difficult seasons can teach us to be stronger and more resilient, as long as we allow the Lord to work in our lives. I know God can use even terrible diseases like cancer to bring about beautiful things, replacing ashes with crowns of beauty and turning mourning into dancing (Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 30:11). Trusting in Him with our lives is essential, as He tells us to do so (Matthew 6:25-27; Philippians 4:6-7).

As He promises in His Word, our sorrow will one day turn into joy.  Spring will come.  For the time being, let us enjoy autumn and the rest it brings.

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My hope is that as you write down God’s promises this month, you will sense His presence all around you—within you, beside you, all around. I pray that you would always be aware of His presence.

♥Melissa Smith♥

 

You can download a copy of the Scripture calendar here:

https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JS-November.pdf