It was only twenty days ago, but it feels like it’s been much longer. Twenty days ago, my blood panel numbers were strange. I had to have a blood transfusion and checked into the hospital. I spent four days in the hospital, and the outstanding medical staff determined I had a second cancer—B-cell lymphoma. 

Once home, I was weak and had more transfusions. I had chemotherapy treatment for the lymphoma and five days later passed out, and EMS took me to the hospital. I've been here eight days as the doctors monitor my blood counts and try to restore them to a normalized level. 

Our lives turned on a dime. 

While the last twenty days have been challenging, God is faithful. We have experienced daily blessings. Yes, we've had moments of emotions, challenges, weariness, and separation, but God’s mercy has carried us through. 

Psalm 46 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength. When things turn on a dime, we have a God whose strength never wanes. We have a God who is our refuge. The Hebrew word for refuge invokes a quiet place to go for protection. We have a God whose strength sustains and protects us when things crumble. 

Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still and know that I am God.” Bible teacher and author James Montgomery Boice commented: "It [verse 10] means rather, ‘Lay down your arms. Surrender, and acknowledge that I am the one and only victorious God.’”

When our lives turn so quickly, we must surrender and acknowledge that God has a purpose and a plan. He is sovereign. He knows the beginning from the end. 

Surrendering doesn't mean giving up. We can pray. We can take responsibility for what our doctors have prescribed. We can be grateful and caring and have a positive attitude towards our caregivers and those we meet. We can drop seeds so people see our faith in action as we work through the challenges of a quickly changing personal landscape. 

Have the last few weeks been difficult? Yes. But, God. He sustains. He is my strength and refuge. I can be still and know that He is God. I can rest in His arms, knowing He has a purpose and plan. I can be still and relax, leaving matters to God.