Hanging In

How often have I heard it said, "don't look to your circumstances, but look up to God". 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting." Amp. So, how does this work when health issues and pain keep continuing on a downhill trend? Looking up to God, implies that I expect God to intervene in ways that will bring about a miracle, a healing, a turn about in the situation. Right now, the situation indicates that the leukemia is continuing, the arthritis in the caretaker has been more painful but yet, we look up for His guidance. We struggle not to let the disease keep us looking for relief and focus more on the invisible. For me the invisible is the hope, that God will bring the relief and healing. In all of this there is mystery as to how God works. All I find I can do is to do what comes to my mind to do. Comfort care, asserting that God is still good, praising Him in spite of circumstances with pain and loss of energy. And, to my comfort, there arises from deep in my spirit songs, melodies and thoughts of scriptures to accompany me in this journey. I know this is the Holy Spirit being with me, even though I have no concrete evidence that much has changed. From time to time, hugs, offers of a lasagna, phone calls, e-mails, prayer assurances, and some visits provide extra boosts of spiritual and physical encouragement. As well, I have been sooo thankful for provisions of the hospital close by; doctors, nurses, medications etc.. So, is God going to heal and give Al a few more months or years? I don't know. But I know that because I can look to the things not seen, I have hope that He does all things well and He will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter how painful the journey or weather I see God's intervention or not. As Job says in chapter 13:15a ," Though He slay me, yet will I hope/trust in Him..." It is the most secure place to rest - our hope in Him to see us through, no matter what the outcome!