“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” (Philippians 2:14-18 NASB1995)
Back in 2014 it was discovered that I had a benign tumor in my left lung. They checked it again in 2016, and it had not grown in size. For some time now I have been having periodic episodes of shortness of breath, chest pain and pressure, pain in my back where the lung is situated, and sometimes in combination with loss of balance and/or dizziness. And yesterday morning very early I had another one of these episodes, only it was stronger than the others and it lasted much longer, and eventually I went to the Hospital ER.
They did a chest X-ray, a CT scan of my lungs, drew five vials of blood, did a swab in my nose, and an electrocardiogram. My heart is in good shape, they discovered no infections, and my blood was in good health. I don’t know what the chest X-ray showed, but the CT scan of my lungs showed the benign tumor in my left lung is still there and it is growing slowly. So it is good to know that this is not a heart issue, but I wanted to see what impact that the tumor in my lung could have on my body, so I Googled it:
AI: “Yes, a slow-growing benign lung tumor can cause sharp pains and shortness of breath if it grows large enough to press on nearby nerves or airways, or if it causes inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Other symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms, especially if you have a known lung nodule, so they can monitor the tumor and determine if treatment is necessary.” This was verified by a search of the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic, both with reputable reputations.
Back in 2021, I became very ill, near to death, after we had a mice infestation in our apartment. Following that my right leg gave out on me and I developed what they call “Peripheral Neuropathy,” from all indications. So I have had balance issues and pain issues related to that ever since then, and I have been walking with a walker (rollator) when out in public ever since then to keep from falling. Recently I had two unusual dizzy or imbalance spells, and so I went to the ENT who then sent me to physical therapy.
I have good days and bad days, and I never know when one of these attacks against my body, from within my body, is going to take place. I had two really good days just prior to this last episode, which sent me to the ER. So, I never know from day to day if it is going to be a good day for me physically, or if it is going to be a day coupled with pain, difficulty breathing, and chest pressure, or if I am going to have more episodes of loss of balance and/or dizziness. And I am also having some cognitive malfunctions, too.
So, when I read this passage of Scripture this morning, I knew that the Lord was encouraging me to have a good and positive attitude about all this that is going on in my body, and that I am not to let it dishearten and trouble me. I do know that God is fully sovereign over my life, and none of this can happen to me unless he allows it, and that he has a purpose for it, and that he plans for good to come from it in my life. What I am convinced of is that I should not let this interfere with me continuing to share the gospel message each day and to encourage the body of Christ in love for God, in holy living.
[Matthew 5:10-12; Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 10:16-39; Matthew 24:9-14; Luke 6:22-23; Luke 21:12-17; John 15:18-21; John 17:14; Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 3:7-11; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 4:12-17; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5; James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Hebrews 12:3-12; 1 John 3:13; Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 7:9-17; Revelation 11:1-3; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 13:1-18; Revelation 14:1-13]
Day by Day
Hymn lyrics by Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, 1865
tr. by Andrew L. Skoog
Music by Oskar Ahnfelt, 1872
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
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As Lights in The World
An Original Work / September 18, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love
