Devotional 6-14-12

Read Psalm 92

On Friday June 7, 2012 we participated in the “Relay for Life” Cancer fundraiser, at the Barboursville Park around the lake. We had never attended this before although we had supported the “Relay for Life” many times over the years during our employment at St. Mary’s MC.

On this Friday night we were there to support our sister in Christ, Elicia Bias, in her fight of cancer, along with her “Pac Man Team”. Elicia started out last year with ovarian cancer, she had surgery and treatment and was cancer free for 3 months, but it is back and she must fight on. She just went to the doctor at Ohio State and found that she must go through more chemo. She is a very upbeat person who shows her love for Christ. She knows she is in His hands and the Lord will take care of her as He has before.

The first lap around the lake was the survivor’s lap. There were survivors of all ages: young, teens, middle age, older people, those on crutches, in wheel chairs, and being carried by their parents. You could tell that they all had a bond with the Lord and that He was with each of them as they go through their lives. They were all there to help raise money to find a cure for cancer and to support each other.

Later that night there were luminaries, which were purchased in memory or honor of someone with cancer, by friends or family members. They were placed all around the lake. When they were lit, it was a humbling experience to see all of them, knowing they represent people who were courageous in their fight for life. They are not suffering now, and were looking down in awe, knowing that God is with everyone; and that He will be there for all of us in whatever circumstance we have, just for the asking.

Psalm 92 12-14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon,
planted in the house of the Lord
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age
They will stay fresh and green
Proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him”.

The psalmist saw believers as upright, strong and unmoved by the winds of circumstance. Those who place their faith firmly in God can have this strength and vitality.

God is for everyone, not just the young. As we grow older, believers can remain fruitful. There are many faithful older people who continue to have a fresh outlook and can teach from a life time experience of serving God. Ask an older person to tell you about their experiences with the Lord and challenge you to new heights of spiritual growth.
We all need to keep the faith, like all of those fighting cancer, in whatever path we are led down, knowing we are God’s people and that He will be there with us through it all.

Dear Lord,
Continue to be with all your people on the paths you have opened for us to follow. We know you have a reason for everything and everyone. Help us to keep the faith in you and live our lives like you want us to. Open our hearts that you can come in and support all of your people where you know where we need you. Thank you for all you do for us and all that you will do in us in the future.
Amen

Melanie Herr