Lay your burden down

I've had a lot of time to sit and think during the past several days as I've been resting and recovering from surgery. So, that's what I've been doing. One of the things I keep coming back to is my response to the pathology report. I was very happy that they found no residual cancer cells - no LIVE cancer cells - in my surgical specimens. But I wasn't surprised by that report. I knew that many people had been praying for that outcome for many months; and I knew God was listening, and I knew God was good.  So, that didn't surprise me. But two things did surprise me...

1. When I heard the news of the pathology report I did NOT have the sense of a burden being lifted off my shoulders. At first that surprised me, but then it hit me...I didn't feel a burden being lifted because I had not been carrying the burden! Wow! It only took me 46 years to learn not to carry around burdens that aren't mine to carry! I hope I am able to transfer this new learning to every area of my life! Wouldn't it be amazing to have this same supernatural peace in all circumstances! Lord, please help me to remember to leave all my burdens with you.

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

2. The second thing that surprised me was the realization that even if the pathology report had not been good, I would have been OK with that. The last three months have confirmed that my God is faithful, He is good, He is able to handle anything, and He is 100% trustworthy. It doesn't matter what the circumstances are, He will walk with me through it, and I will be fine, whatever the outcome. For so many  years I have prayed that I would learn to trust Him completely. Thank you, Lord. Again, please help me to incorporate this trust to every area of my life. Help me to remember who You are.

"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." Psalm 23:4

"But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands;" Psalm 31:14-15