One thing that stuck out to me at the WOF conference was this quote:
Am I not allowed to do what I choose to do with what belongs to me?
That really brought so many things into perspective for me. This body is not mine, it is His. My daughter is not mine, she is His. Every earthly thing that I think belongs to me, the good the bad and the ugly, belongs to Him.
He can do what He chooses to do with what belongs to Him.
So many times we look at our circumstances as a punishment. We “expect” healing, prosperity, and all that stuff. When that doesnt happen and God doesnt show up just exactly as we think He should, we accuse God of not caring, not working… not being present. What we fail to realize is that when we “expect”… we make it all about us. We do not have the power nor the vision to see into the future, yet we fail to trust the one person who created our future. The one being that is already there.
And it has NOTHING to do with how strong your faith is.
Last night I went to a conference in town at a local church. The praise and worship was absolutely beautiful, but once the special speaker got up and started, my heart just ached. It hurt. One thing that he said that I didnt agree with, and there were many, was that you have the power to completely move that mountain. It has to move.
What if God allowed this mountain into my life so that He could reach you, and you, and you. What if He allowed this in my life so that He could prove that His goodness is just that, good. And his mercy is just that, merciful. What if it has nothing to do with me and everything, EVERYTHING to do with furthering His kingdom. I know this ends well for me, does it you?
“It has to move!” No it doesn’t. And to say that not only insults people who have afflictions, but it also insults the grace and integrity of God. It doesn’t have to move because I tell it to. I have no power over my circumstances, I have no power over my cancer. God has complete control and I really honestly prefer it that way. Now I know what most of you are thinking : “Maybe the special speaker meant…..” No. I could justify this if he didnt say many other things that were out of line with scripture, but that was not the case and his intention was too obvious.
I believe that my mountain will move, according to Gods timing and His will. I believe that I will be healed. I believe my daughter will be healed. I don’t know which side of heaven that will be, but eventually we will get our “Ultimate Healing” and if it doesnt come on this planet, I know that this ends well for me!
To say that we have the ultimate power over our circumstances completely removes God from the picture, and my spirit is not in agreement with that philosophy. To say that “The Mountain will move” implies that if it only moves just a little, it really isnt healing. I have often said this, and I will say it again:
Do not miss the little miracles because you are waiting for the big one.
My daughter is full of small miracles. My life as a cancer patient is full of small miracles. Yet we are not fully healed.
We are in a human condition on a fallen planet.
We are not promised anything other than grace.
Everything else is a gift.
My husband left the conference and he said something that really made me stop and think.. He said “Maybe I am not as charismatic as I once thought”
I reminded him that I don’t see us as “charasmatic” or “legalistic” or “black with white polka dots”… I see us as biblical. All those other things are just labels and if they line up with word of God, then Great! But, as my dad said last night:
If it doesn’t line up with scripture, it honestly isn’t for me.
Amen….
You always amaze me Heather. How true you are that we have no power. None. And it’s a lesson we’ve learned the hard way…but so true. The beauty of it, though, is that it makes us enjoy each and every moment and cherish each and every day.
You’re amazing!
Heather… have you listened to “Miracle of the Moment” by Steven Curtis Chapman?
Do it.
Years ago, when my mother battled her own fight with cancer, a nurse actually intimated that she had brought this on herself and it was infuriating. She was so exhausted at that point also it just added insult to injury. A couple of weeks ago I heard Joel Osteen say basically the same thing you mention, that WE have the power to heal ourselves. I turned the channel.
Awesome post! Thank you. BTW, yesterday was my 2 year anniversary of finishing my radiation. What a milestone that is to me! Praying for you.
Wonderful, absolutely wonderful post, Heather. I feel the same way about fibromyalgia and its presence in my life. God is in control, and I am so grateful for that. Amen to all you said!!
Praying for you already this morning.
If we could move mountains, how could God teach us patience? If we did not have challenges how could be appreciate the good? Heather you bring great insight and I praise you for being open and honest. Have a blessed day as you start your week of Chemo. May you witness to those around you.
Many Blessings~Paula
AMEN!
I completely agree…if WE could move the mountains, where would that leave us in our need for God. It sounds like the New Age rhetoric that I’ve heard creeping into to many sermons these days!
You are so wise, and I can not tell you how much you have strengthened my walk with God. I am so thankful for you and your openess and honesty with us.
Jess in Nebraska
Two of our four children have disabilities. I am 39 and have coronary artery disease. We are a Biblical family, grateful for the absolute goodness of our God and Father.
God is not good because he does such-and-such a thing.
The thing is good because God does it.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds. -Ps. 73:28
Heather,
That was a great post! I am so glad you were blessed at the WOF conference and I am sorry to hear that another speaker upset you later in the weekend. You, however, are 100% right in what you said…it is not about how much faith we have. It is not about us moving mountains because we tell them to or because we have enough faith! I have had people actually tell me ( during my cancer) that some were not made well becasue they did not have enough faith and did not really want to be made well. That can be very confusing and disheartening for someone who does not understand that EVERYTHING we have comes from the Lord…even our faith. I am truly sorry you were upset by this, but so glad to know that you know the truth because you do know your Bible!
God is good to us all the time and we WILL be healed…whether here or when we get to our true home…which is far better. Something else that popped into my mind right now was the verse about how when we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.
Bless your day!
Gina
I just have to comment about the speaker. You will be healed. In God’s timing. BUT surely you will be HEALED. We ALL have heavenly bodies to look forward to and that is a promise we can count on.
A book I just finished that covered this subject is Joni by Joni Eareckson. It was an amazing read. And a great reminder that when we are weak HE is STRONG. Rest in Him and His Word. He won’t let you down.
Praying~
mtnmamof4
I am so glad I read this as I started my week. You are so right and I appreciate your insight.
My cancer has been a gift in many ways and for many people (whether they know it or not.) Many miracles have come since my diagnosis and I continue to look and pray for those not understanding Who really has the ultimate power over this beast.
Before my cancer, I realize that I had gotten caught up in my job, power, and control. I thought I was a faithful follower but realized that I didn’t trust it ALL to Him. I needed a wake up call and cancer along with other life events gave me the time to turn the key. It feels so good… Life was spinning out of control but no more. I’m back on track and thankful for each moment. To see my husband join me in prayer, to see him accept God into his life, to see him change his life for the better were gifts I longed to see for many years.
My cancer is supposed to be gone with all the treatments and surgery that I’ve had done and I pray that it will stay that way but if not, it is His will and I will accept His choice for me…one day at a time.
Thank you for your inspiration. He is using you to help us all. Have a Blessed Day. Thy will be done….
Heather,
Agreeing here, 100%, with all that you said. Thank you for saying it in such a gracious manner.
Still praying for you…
You nailed it. We feel so much entitlement. We forget that we have a purpose on this planet, and it has nothing to do with us!
We think we deserve so much. Imagine if we actually GOT what we deserve.
Holy hooch!
Thank you so much for this post, Heather. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when I was 11 and had a double lung transplant at 23 (more than two years out, yay!). So many times people would say outright, or hint, that if I had more faith I’d be healed. But I know that my CF and the transplant experience has led more people to God than perhaps a healing would have, and God knows that. It’s all for His glory, isn’t it?
Thanks for putting this down in words.
Unfortunately I’ve been hearing a lot of crud like that “other speaker” was dishing out. We left one church because the pastor was so far out of line with what Scripture says it wasn’t funny. Now we’re still looking for a church — a Godly church — where we feel Him leading us. Sometimes I think people in these churches just settle for less than God’s best — or they stop reading their Bibles for themselves.
Glad you are doing well and that you got to go to WOF! Still praying for you here …
“I see us as biblical. All those other things are just labels and if they line up with word of God, then Great! But, as my dad said last night: If it doesn’t line up with scripture, it honestly isn’t for me.”
RIGHT ON, Heather. RIGHT ON.
I have been told things didn’t happend because I didn’t have enough faith.i cringe when ever I remember the person saying that to me.Right after he said that I had the worst health scare so far in my life-not cancer but scary.
Anyway after waiting 17 months my husband now has a new job where he won’t have to travel for work-talk about waiting upon God!
Well said, Heather.
God is not a genie. We cannot “faith” Him into anything. He alone knows our destiny and our future. And it is ALWAYS for good.
That’s believing God.
Praying that your faith in His path – even when it doesn’t make sense – will be strengthened today.
Heather, praying for your ultimate healing!!! It will happen, you know that! Find your bliss and your joy, know that you are a white light disco with no ceilings and no limitations!
MichelleJ
Oh, Heather. Our sweet unborn baby boy was recently diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Thank you for this wonderful reminder. Our God is so good.
Hi Heather, so good to hear from you friend. I believe in the One who holds the ultimate power, and I sure know that I don’t have it in me, only Him working in me. I grew up in a “charismatic” foursquare church and fell short every Sunday before I ever entered the door. It is about believing in the One who holds our future, trusting Him in His time to show us His plan. To pick a scripture and pluck it to death, causing believers to feel lacking, is just plain wrong and not how the Lord wants us to be. Bless you sweetie for reminding us that God created the mountain, therefore we can ask Him to move it!! And we can trust in His time, He will. Have a blessed week and may your joy be full. Love you much.
Laurie in Ca.
God bless you Heather. Thank you for your words. They mean SO much.
HE is in control…
I hope you can hear the applause from here! Bravo Heather, Bravo!
The most amazing thing for me to wrap my mind around as I walk the brain tumor road is the ultimate and total sovereignty of God. He is in total control and I am a mere clay pot designed for his purpose…and his alone.
My 18 month MRI is Thursday and I know I’ll spend the time praising his mighty name for all the wonderful blessings he’s given me.
You are running such a good race, keep on going.
Amen!!!
Amazing grace…I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see!!!!!
Wishing you an awesome week.
Heather,
You are so amazing! You have such DIVINE INSIGHT! You actually get it! Just because someone has a degree behind their name doesn’t necessarily mean that they are always right. I couldn’t agree with your perspective more. We are only a vessel. You are such an inspiration to me and so many others! Praying for you as you begin treatment again.
Conni
Heather, you have obviously had a very biblical upbringing ( thanks parents ) I am so glad you walked away with truth. Pray for all the other attendees who are struggling with the lie. Rest well my dear, I will be praying for you.
I’m so glad you got to go to the WOF conference! Have a great week!
Heather, when my husband and I were first dealing with his brain cancer our initial thought (after all the why me’s) was God is using us to bring others closer to Him. By our reactions, reliance on Him and our strength through Him…people could see God working through us and we could see that in others as well.
I love this post as it mirrors our lives in the last year…I pray for strength for you and your family and for grace to deal with all that God sends your way.
That is very beautiful, Heather. I’m sorry your heart hurt, but you are so wise. I loved what you said about your reaching others and being healed. God Bless you. I do hope you have a great weekend though.
Yes, Heather!
We are not to have faith in our faith. That is a false god. Do we believe God to work? Yes. Do we ask him for our deepest hearts desire? Yes. But then we trust in His Sovereignty and ask to be faithful to Him until we meet Him face to face. Just as you are doing, with His grace.
Amen Sister!
Gosh I Love This Girl!
Dad
I was just reminded of this truth this last weekend. It was in reference to the Jer. 29:11 passage, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.”
So often we forget that it is God’s plan… not ours! We limit God into this box to demand our comfort, our happiness, our plans. And yet, it is not about me. It is ALL about HIM!!
You said that wonderfully here! And as for the “mountain moving” scenario, Beth Moore shared in her book “Believing God” something that stuck with me.
The mountain that Jesus was referring to was the very place where the transfiguration had just occured. She says, “if you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, or you have faith to tell a mountain to move and it won’t, you can assume Christ wants you to climb it instead and see Him transfigured. Either way the mountain is under your feet.”
She shares and I am learning more and more that often the miracle isn’t what He does for us. The greater miracle is what He does in us and allowing us to see Him… face to face.
Bless you for being used of God to be a voice of truth!!
Continuing to pray for you and your family…
I’ve had experiences like you described, Heather. That’s why I “church shopped” for years. Sometimes I just wanted to jump up and shout…”that’s not what God said!”
I have been blessed to have become a Catholic just 4 years ago. I’ve not heard a homily (serman) that was in contradiction with the Scripture in all that time. I just love it.
Stick to where you hear the truth.
God is good all the time. All the time, God is good.
Peace be with you!
AMEN!! I’m so glad to read that even though you’re going through such a tough time, you’re still standing on God’s Word and the truths in it. D
I was at a Jason Upton concert last night and one thing he said that has stuck with me is that “Trust is the highest form of worship” I was like WOW. That is true. I trust a lot of things but do I TRUST GOD? This is still sinking in….
Excellent post!! I am with you on this one my friend. To the day I die, I believe that God could heal my daughter if He so chooses, however I cannot spend my day focusing on the healing that is not there yet…. instead I choose to focus on the miraculous provision of His grace and strength for that day.
There is a great song called “Sometimes Miracles Hide” Its been around forever, but the words are tremendous. Its about a special needs child… and I still remember some of the words…..
Sometimes miracles hide
And God wraps these blessings in disguise
It may even take a lifetime
To see the reason with His eyes… cause sometimes miracles hide.
I see so many miracles manifested in you Heather, and I see great faith to believe, though you cannot see. I see His miraculous power manifested in your life daily. I see that He has kept your family together despite tremendous odds, and I see a surrendered, broken woman, who trusts at a level many would ever understand.
Thanks for sharing , being real, and being you.
Hi,
I have been reading your website bc it uplifts me everyday! I found it through a friend, Thank you! I saw your post and was reminded of a story I once heard about a man asked by the Lord to push and try to move a mountain and how he pushed against it night and day. Trying with all his might to move the mountain and push it like he had been asked, he saw other men appear to move their mountains with the Lords help and tried all the more to move his. He pushed for days that turned into weeks, into months and into years. One day the Lord came back to see how he was doing and the man was so upset that he had to tell the Lord that he had failed, the mountain had not moved. The Lord responded that My Child I only asked you to try and push which you have done well. The man didnt understand and the Lord told him to look at himself, all of the muscles and strength that he had built up from the act of pushing had made him a better and stronger man. The Lord knows best, sometime we are not supposed to move the mountains, just push with all of our might. I am not a great story teller:) so it was related better when I heard it, but I think it is so true – that the Lord knows best and we grow from our faith even if the mountain doesnt move. Thank you for your uplifting thoughts!
I agree with this post completely! So many are hurt by people saying if you just had enough faith…etc…The Truth is God is still sovereign and does what He does for His glory and our good. (even though we may see the whys and all)
I wrote a post about this at one point,too…I thought about Joni Eareckson Tada…how can anyone say that if you have faith you will be healed…she is a very faithful woman and God has chosen her life to be what it is…a beautiful testimony of God’s goodness….
You are doing the same…wonderful words!
Hi Heather, Hope you enjoyed the WOM conference..I’m waiting for one to come to Hawaii oneday. I love the fact how the Lord not only let’s us see with our physical eyes, but also through the eyes of our heart, sometimes there are mountains that will not always be removed, like Paul’s thorn in the flesh, there will be mountains we cannot go over, and we cannot go around. we just have to go through. I’ll let you know when I post about what the Lord put on my heart about mountains in our lives… I see he has also spoken to your heart as well. Isn’t it awesome when his treasures of revelation are revealed to us in such gentle and special ways that we are at peace with it. Hugz joyful
So POWERFUL and so true, and so helpful to all of us in whatever situation God has us! This was such a wonderful blessing for me today. God is using you in a mighty way to declare His truth and glory!
Amen, sister. Amen!
(((((((((((())))))))))))
Love & prayers~ HomeKeeper
so so so so true.
God is good because He is. Not because of what He does or doesn’t do for me.
He’s not my puppet.
Love this post! And love your heart!
Blessings,
Karla
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the reminder and for putting this so eloquently. You encourage and inspire me every time I visit. Thanks Heather!
Sarah
Oh my Heather, I have been in that kind of ‘faith’ life for so long, and it was so very sad. I always thought I had so much control over my life, the Lord is showing me so different. It is so hard to learn and accept sometimes, but like you said, I feel a bit of a freedom in it too. It takes all the pressure off of me. It’s not what I can do, it’s all the Lord. Thank you for reminding me of that.
JoAnn
. . . And Amen here, too! I believe when someone – and especially someone who holds the reverence of a minister – makes such statements, it causes some to believe that their faith is not enough! That they are lacking in trust. That they must be doing something wrong! I’m glad this was the subject of your post! Your words are beautiful and touch many!
In His Love and Blessings,
annb
Wow. That was good!!! You came home with a powerful message. Thanks for sharing that.
You have got your junk together, Girl!!!
Awesome messages!
http://www.iamobsessedwithlife.blogspot.com/
Amen!
Wow such powerful words that I wasn’t ready for….or maybe I was more ready to hear that than I think I am.
Thank you for sharing.
I am presuming the preacher was refering to the story in Matthew 17 (vs14-23, specifically v20)
Respectfully, how do you interpret (sp?!) this scripture, if you do not believe it to mean what it seems to?
For myself, it’s always been a bit of an enigma… as I have not seen any mountains move in my life time. I know as a child, this caused me some distress; for a while I thought I didn’t have enough faith. I’m over it now, of course, but it still befuddles me.