God’s Guidance — Numbers 9:15-23 (June 8th, 2021)
Isn’t it a blessing that God goes before us and leads and guides us? We serve a God who wants relationship with us; an intimate relationship. I am reading a book by SD Gordon called, “Quiet Talks on Power”. His mention of how God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night really spoke to my heart. Speaking to the reference in Numbers, Gordon states:
It seems almost at first reading as though there was a decidedly needless repetition. You seem to understand the thing easily enough without that. But as one reads it again, slowly, it begins to dawn upon the mind that the purpose is to put marked emphasis on this feature of their new life in the wilderness. The people would rise in the morning and probably the first thing done was to look out toward the cloud to learn if there was to be any change that day. And so during the day there would come to be an instinctive habit of watching that cloud. They might remain in a new camping place for months, a few weeks, or only a few days. They never knew a day ahead. They lived literally a day at a time… It was equally so in their movements and all of their new life… The time of going, and the direction, and the pace were regulated by the presence of their Friend in that cloud. Their life was a life of obedience to the will of their wise, loving Companion. (Quiet Talks on Power, pp 99)
This concept of walking with God moment by moment really takes one’s whole life to figure out but it really sums up well the cancer journey. From one moment to the next I just don’t know what to expect from this new life in the “wilderness”. This life challenge forces me to keep looking to the Lord and His provision and His leading. Not focusing on the cancer but focusing on God and following His lead. Although God’s desire is that we walk moment by moment in all of life’s circumstances it is usually not until we hit a rough patch that we are ready to seek Him in this way.
I have not been feeling well this past month. I have increased stomach and back pain. At my last appointment (Monday) they decided to hold off on treatment and give my body a rest for a few days to see how I respond. We will be in touch with the oncologist at the end of the week to decide next steps.
Would you pray in thankfulness for God’s continued leading in this journey? I do not know what is next but I am trusting in His intervention and His leading. Pray that I would have the heart to follow and seek Him with my whole heart. Please pray that He would speak to my oncology team — to put on their minds things they have never thought before or had not considered for my case. Mostly, that He would put in their minds His medical plan for me.
I continue to be encouraged in the Lord and thankful for all your prayers, encouragement and support.
Love and blessings to you,
Debbie (for Patrick, too)
Debbie O'Connor's Journey 
Hi Debbie,
I like what you shared about looking to the cloud every day for His guidance, and how you feel that way now, looking to Him for each new day and the next steps required. What great insight!
We keep praying for you and Patrick.
LikeLike
Hi Debbie. Praying for you and Patrick. Thanks for the update and allowing us to walk with you through the journey
Bob Lehman Mission Recharge Minister-at-Large, Missions Door 602.803.2547 email – bob@bobandjanet.org http://www.missionrecharge.org
>
LikeLike
You have been faithful to listen and follow. Will pray for your doctor’s to have wisdom this week.
LikeLike
Praying fo you
LikeLike
Debbie,
Thank you. I try to pray for you every day. I will pray specially for your requests.
Gail
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Dear Debbie,
“Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, Bless His Holy Name”. We are honoring your requests – asking God to assure you as you walk your journey.
We love you 💕
LikeLike
Hi Debbie,
Jeff and I continue to pray for you that God will sustain you and heal you.
We love you and miss you.
Young-Ae
LikeLike
Dear Precious friends, We will be praying diligently for this request. You have traveled the journey with grace and honor and we continue. to pray for healing. We trust Him with the perfect answer. We love you so much and you are and have been such can inspiration to us. Stan and Mary
.
LikeLike
So good to read your update which always shows your wonderful heart and love for God. The letters are such an encouragement to me. Will continue to pray for you .
LikeLike
What a thoughtful post! Yes, walking totally in the light of His presence when we also live with life’s challenges is a hard balancing act. Thank you for encouraging all of us as you relate your situation to us fir specific prayer too. Lord, lead Debbie and Patrick to follow Your path and Your timing of it all, for Your glory and proclamation of the amazing name of the Lord! Blessings, Keith & Judy
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Dear Debbie & Patrick,
That was such a special reminder….and we all need to live in that way! I have been reading in Exodus this last while, and so it was very meaningful. I appreciate the peace I sensed in your spirit and then asking the Lord to reveal to your care givers just what needs to be done for you!
It even applies to all of us who have the hold ups in life and in ministry because of COVID! How do we move ahead? We meet tonight on Zoom, with a team in Thompson, Manitoba! They are still locked down as far as the camping program for two summers now. They have been proactive in creating You Tube’s for their campers, throughout these times, but long for the personal contacts!
We will be praying and “watching the Cloud” to see what God will do in all these matters,
Warmly, Jim & Becky Hamilton
LikeLike