Faith That Moves Mountains

Articles

Pat Hunt
09/02/18 - Zephyrhills Bulletin

Being diagnosed with both endometrial and ovarian cancer is certainly a mountain to be reckoned with. The chemotherapy and radiation treatments can be a larger mountain to climb than the actual cancer.

I have put my trust in certain things and people and this has produced in me a good attitude and a positive outlook on what is happening to my body. You should never put your faith in anything until you have evidence that it is trustworthy and loyal. I have been blessed with many people whom I have relied upon and have complete faith in, including my doctors and nurses, my devoted husband and family members, friends, coworkers, and, last but not least, my church family at Valrico.

In Philippians 2:3, Paul is advising the Philippians to “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.”

This passage is describing our Valrico church family to a tee. We all know how blessed we are to be a part of a loving and caring group. Any act of kindness simply builds up a person’s faith and makes them strong. That is true for the giver and the receiver. When good deeds are done on your behalf, it humbles you to want to do good to others as well. It’s contagious and that is exactly what God intended! I pray that we never take advantage of this blessing we have at Valrico and that our love for each other will only grow deeper so we can guard ourselves against the devil when he tests our love for one another and our love for God.

Whenever I find myself in a “pity party” (which I have had over 8 months) I read Philippians 4:4-8. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brethren, whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, if there is any excellence and is anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Thinking about the good things of life and all the blessings God gives us every day, even when we are sick, leaves no room in our mind for the negative or depressing things of this world. As I think of good things like children laughing and playing, sunny days and magnificent sunsets, I find myself more and more looking above the clouds and thinking more of heaven and how beautiful, lovely and excellent it will be. Thoughts of heaven where there is no pain or suffering and being able to praise the Lord for eternity will certainly build you up and allow you to move mountains, no matter how large or small.