Three and a half years ago my dear friend, Louie Giglio, spoke these words into my ear when we were talking on the phone: Steve, cancer does not define you. I was probably whining about my situation, having a personal pity party. I’ve been through highs and lows these past three years, but that phrase has not been far from my lips, mind, and heart.
It is interesting how a phrase spoken in truth can stick in your memory, when simple words you cannot recall. Brain cancer has done that to me. I can recall/pull memories from my past, but at times I cannot remember the name of the wife of one of my best friends.
The Word that is hidden in my heart is one of the easier things to recall. Oh, how I wish I had memorized more of the Words of the Almighty God, so that when my fears and satan take my mind away for a while, I can naturally allow Jesus’ words to define me … not cancer. That is what my heart truly desires.
WHAT DEFINES YOU?
Your job? Your health? Your finances?
Your family? Your mind? Your spouse?
Hopefully, I (all of us) are defined by our daily relationship with Christ.
Let’s work on this together, and so many wonderful, spiritual things will be added to us.
My prayer for this week, next week, all the weeks after is for Jesus to definitely be the One to whom I turn, for He knows me, He understands me, and He loves me … Just As I Am.
I now ask myself regularly that probing and sobering question: “Steve, what defines you?”
Just As I Am
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be thine, yea thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NASB)
