Visa

People join SIM and prepare to move to the country to which God has called them. Then, in some cases, they hit the sticky problem of getting visa; it seems almost every day when we meet for prayer, we're asked to pray for at least one visa application that's stalled somewhere. So I got thinking about the One who came to our planet and entered our race. What if He'd had to get prior permission from the United Nations? Imagine His visa application:

Name: The Sent One, aka Messiah
Date of Birth: None; I have always existed
Father: God, Creator of the universe
Mother: None, yet
Length of stay: 33 years--then in spirit until the end of the age
Purpose of your visit: preach, heal, die (temporarily)
What will you preach? That I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Response: Visa DENIED
Reason: Applicant would upset the status quo

Well, enough imagining. He came so simply, a mere embryo/fetus/infant. Only a few had even a hint that His birth was THE defining moment of time.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given.
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
--from "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

For some reason, I thought the chemo effects would fade more quickly. But of course, it's only slightly more than two weeks since the last infusion. And there's nothing to complain about, only mild neuropathy and some gut misbehavior. I am thankful to feel so well. And I'm taking extra nutritional and supplemental steps to encourage healing. Above all else, we look to God to heal.

Fran's surgeon called yesterday to say that there's still a "margin" of cancer penetration that didn't get excised. So she'll need to go back for a third surgery. It's all very confusing. Please pray for clarity and guidance. Thank God for the peaceful heart He is giving Fran.

Blessings,
Carol