Our circumstances and our hearts
“Now to him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
These verses have always been some of my favorites—words that give great hope and excitement. In my mid- to later-20s, I read these passages a lot as I prayed for a husband, and the Lord certainly provided in my husband Chris. More than 10 years later, I have reflected on these verses again during my battle with breast cancer. I realize now that I have always viewed these verses only in regard to circumstances. I still believe that they can provide hope when we long for help with a particular circumstance. But, I now think these words are more about the incredible things God can do in our hearts—in the midst of our circumstances. The verses that precede these all refer to our hearts and our inner being, not our circumstances.
Through this ordeal with cancer, I am witnessing changes in my heart as a result of the direct intervention of the Lord—changes that are quite stunning and above what I could have imagined he could do. I know the Lord is turning me into a different woman and I am thankful. God receives glory—i.e. he is seen for who he really is—when people are transformed by presence in their lives. It is always inspiring to witness the peace, contentment and joy certain believers possess as they face trials. They are an inspiration to all of us and hopefully create a longing in our hearts for the same possessions.
May we all surrender to him the circumstances of our lives, whether they be paper cuts or the blows of a sledge hammer. We need him for both. Let’s let him accomplish what he’s after, which is always “exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or imagine.” It’s a tall task to surrender but he will create in us this ability if we ask. Then our job is to witness the exciting and incredible plans he has for us, sometimes in our circumstances and always in our hearts.
Lastly, I have a couple prayer requests for my “circumstances.” I am feeling mostly pretty good but naturally, my blood levels (white blood count, red blood count and a host of other elements) are declining as a result of 4-5 months of chemotherapy. This is very normal for cancer patients under treatment and is a good sign that lots of good and bad stuff is being killed in my body. Would you pray that the Lord would protect me from illness while I am immuno-compromised and that I wouldn’t dip too low? Also, I am having trouble sleeping even though I take prescription sleep meds. As I type, it’s 1:30am and I am awake. I know I need plenty of rest during this time so it’s frustrating to be awake! Thank you for your prayers and for checking in with the Sicks family!
Love, Sara
Sicks Pax 
on July 22, 2008 on 8:47 am
Wow,Sara, your words have challenged and encouraged me today. Just what I needed to hear – thank you for being so open about the Lord’s working in your heart.
It was so nice to see you last Saturday; let’s get together soon!
Love and prayers.
on July 22, 2008 on 9:17 am
It was wonderful to see you at the wedding. I can see you are a great actress. I think if I act as normal as possible maybe I’ll feel that way, too. Sometimes it works – sort-of. All things that happen to us are a mixed blessing. We are in His hands. I hope your sleeping problem resolves. I was on Ambience which worked like a charm except that all the next day I was feeling 1st trimester blahs! Now I am on Tempazian which is a tranquelizer – quiets the brain so you sleep. Complain to your doctor. They have a huge variety of things to prescribe. There are no rewards given for being tired. You have a family that needs you rested and your body needs to rest to deal with all the meds you are taking. You are in my prayers.
Love, Marge
on July 22, 2008 on 6:34 pm
Your words stir my heart as well. All these things will be prayed for with boldness.
on July 24, 2008 on 10:32 am
You are so encouraging and insightful. I will be praying for you REST! Let me know if I can help in any other ways.
on July 24, 2008 on 9:11 pm
Glad I checked in, Sara. Want you to know that Lora and I have been praying for you and the family just about every evening since this began. Sleep and healthy white blood cells – the prayers will now be more specific.
Dave
on August 1, 2008 on 12:20 pm
Sara,
Your writing is profound!
I am praying fervently.
Debbie
on August 5, 2008 on 6:50 pm
Sara,
I just sent the link to your blog to our music director. Her sister has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. She begins chemo tomorrow. Thank you for posting your testimony of pain and faith and God’s amazing grace. What a powerful testimony, and what a gift to people in their hour of need. May your testimony bless and edify my friend’s sister, all to God’s glory. And may God encourage YOU to know that even in this, you have served Him and blessed others. What an awesome Lord we serve.
Love,
Frankie