Gather Your Battle Gear
Good God’s Day to Everyone!!!
I pray all is well with you and you are finding Hope in your journey. Please remember everyone needs encouragement, not only in times of sickness and loss but in all of life's disruptions. We all need daily encouragement and some days we must encourage ourselves.
Gearing up for Battle
You may ask “What is Battle Gear?” Battle Gear is what you use to help protect yourself from mental and spiritual, defeating thoughts, doubts, and fears. You build your own arsenal with things to deflect the wiles (schemes, trickery) of the enemy. I’m not saying your diagnosis is wrong or does not exist but if you are in relationship with God, you already know that what God says is true and every man a liar (Romans, 3:4). For me scripture will always reign supreme.
You decide how you want to move forward in this journey. Some decide to wallow in the “what could go wrong” rather than “what could go right”. Some believe that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), I surely believe all things are possible. It does not matter the report, I choose to live like I’m living. Keep in mind everything does not work for everyone. You must find what works for you. You must implement your own battle plan and follow it. Here are some of the things that worked for me, and I have shared them with others who have went through cancer treatment, depression, and anxiety. It is not only for a cancer diagnosis. You could be a family member of someone with any diagnosis, a caregiver, or just troubled in your spirit. This can work for other circumstances that disrupt your life or leave you believing you have no reason to Hope.
In my arsenal:
My Bible(s): In the Bible you will find God's word for any emotions, circumstances, or doubts you may have; God has a Word for it. I believe acknowledging God first, thanking Him for who he is and what He has already done. I am no superwoman, yes, I feel under attack, but I use God’s Word to combat that feeling. A few of my favorite scriptures are below.
Prayer
First and foremost, pray, do not be afraid to ask God for your healing, your peace of mind, His divine protection. It is God’s desire that we are in good health. “Beloved, I pray in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:3, NASB). Prosper in all things, spirit, health, and your life.
Scriptures:
1. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17, NASB)
10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11) Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13) Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14) Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15) and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16) in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17) And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2. When I am anxious (Philippians 4: 4-7, NASB)
4) Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! 5) Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
3. When I am in pain (Romans 8:18, NASB)
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. God’s Word is more powerful than any medical treatment. Now I am not suggesting you do not follow your physicians/specialist instructions. God can do far more in and through those who trust and believe in Him. “20) For as many as the promises of God are, in Him they are yes; therefore through Him also is our Amen to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NASB).
There are many, many more scriptures for comfort and encouragement when you need them. Simply look up what you are feeling in the back of your Bible and there will be a list of scriptures. There will be one that fits your emotion. Write them down, meditate on them, they are for everyone. If your Bible does not have a concordance /dictionary in the back, I would suggest you get one that does. You can even buy a book that only has the Bible Words in it.
Advocate
Be your own Advocate, speak up for yourself. If you are unable to do this, choose a family member or trusted friend that can speak on your behalf. Many of the hospitals have social workers who can come along side you and help you communicate with the doctors. The social worker can also help you with local resources that can help with other personal needs. I cannot stress enough to speak up, ask questions, and have a clear understanding of your diagnosis, prognosis, type of chemo, and side effects; you do not have to accept everything given to you. There will be or could be medications that are not working for you, the chemo cocktail may cause side effects that are not listed in your information handout. Do not feel as though you cannot press the Doctors for more information or alternative treatments. Speak Up! By the way when choosing a family member or friend it would be good to let them know how you see yourself going through this journey, not how they see you. If you want a straight route, that’s your choice.
Self-Care
Self-Care is very important during this time. The medications, the stress of the diagnosis, the lack of some form of autonomy will be bothersome. Understand self-care is not always manicures, pedicures, trips, and glam days. Although they are relaxing. Taking care of your spiritual and mental wellness is very important. This can be with exercise, hobbies, reading, visiting with friends socially, participating in church services (online or in person). Today I want to focus on Journaling and how it can help keep you encouraged in your journey.
Journaling
I will begin today with a very simple weapon that helps with both spiritual and mental wellness. That is Journaling. Most people find this to be something they do not need. Some will resist this, they want everyone to believe they have it all under control, they are afraid someone may read their thoughts. Well, I am convinced that we do not have everything under control when we get this diagnosis or are faced with life altering events. We have choices in our everyday lives, but God is really in control. We realize this when we are in a position that leaves us to truly surrender and allow the spirit of God to work in our lives. Or we can choose to stand behind some false armor (pride, self-made persons, education, money) that will not protect us or comfort us. There is nothing God does not already know about us. He knows every thought, before we think it and every word that will come out of our mouths before we say it. Even in our present circumstances you cannot hide anything from God, He already knows. Journaling is a release of thoughts and emotions that we sometimes feel we cannot or do not want to express in words to others. It is not necessary to tell anyone anything. Be true to yourself, let your feelings out.
You don’t need any fancy “journal book” in fact journaling is one of the cheapest therapies you can use. You can use one or more of those composition books from the dollar or big box store. Now if you are like me. I like cute spirals, or another designed hardcover lined paper book, but I will only play $5 for one. There are also cute stickers and sticky notes you can use, just make it yours. You can even use computer software to make your own.
As for me, I have a spiritual journal, where I just talk to God in writing, sort of a letter or daily update. There are no fancy words, I write what I feel, He knows how I feel, so I do not need to write like He does not know when I am sad, angry, uncomfortable, emotional, and glad. I also write prayers; I have a journal for that. These are prayers for others, who are ill or going through things. I could go on an on but how many journals you have is up to you. It is not even a requirement that you write daily. Write the truth, but remember God forgives when you admit your sin. I will recommend that you write the good things as well. It is good to capture those unforgettable happy feeling, such as family time, good reports for yourself and others, a really good meal, and all the goodness we receive for God.
Remember journaling is a release of thoughts and emotions that we sometimes feel we cannot or do not want to express in words to others. It provides an emotional release and allows us to move forward without holding everything inside of us.
Trust God as you seek Him. Believe He will keep His promises. God is always working especially when we cannot see it. This is our faith at work that gives us hope.
Gather Your Battle Gear will continue in the next post. There is so much that can help us, this may go on for several posts.
I truly believe that God does not leave us, we leave God by depending on ourselves when He has clearly instructed us to depend on Him.
Love you much!!
Cheryl P
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