“ not my first rodeo”….

 “ not my first rodeo”…..

Two of my children participated in rodeos when they were younger…barrel racing, mutton busting….one still uses the phrase, “ not my first rodeo” to allude to the fact that she has “ been there, done that “ or “ I do have experience in ——“….

When this devotion came up today on the daily site for cancer patients, “Cancer Companions” I just needed to share it….God, too, has a history…He has infinite experience….

Thank YOU…..

“You Are Not God’s First Rodeo! 

Written by Dan Held

“Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast” (Psalm 119:90 ESV).

I recall with some amusement once hearing America’s TV psychologist, Dr. Phil McGraw, tell a guest on his show who was somewhat doubtful of his advice, “Don’t worry, you’re not my first rodeo.” 

Whenever we need help with any problem or project in life, it’s nice to know that our adviser has been around awhile. Been in business awhile. Successfully resolved a good many such problems before taking on ours. Performed many similar surgeries before. 

This may be especially true when facing cancer. It is an encouragement to any patient to know their doctor has been around long enough to have successfully treated a case like theirs. It is comforting to face cancer with an oncologist who is quite at ease, owing to past experience, even in the face of our particular diagnosis. 

Whatever we may face in this life, we can rest assured that God, too, has treated many patients with our same set of risks and circumstances. Millions of them. Successfully. Let’s face it, God has been in the Great Physician business for quite a while. He’s taken care of plenty of others just like us. And he’s performed more miracles than we’ll ever know about.

“Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast” (Psalm 119:90 ESV).

Think of all the times God has led you through a struggle. You may have known at the time that He was guiding you, or perhaps you only realized this in hindsight. Now think about your parents. What struggles did they face? How did God show up for them? Now think about your grandparents or your children. Can you see how God has been faithful to all generations? You can trust that your cancer struggle is not the first time He has carried someone through a cancer struggle. Don’t worry, you are not God’s first rodeo! 

Generation after generation, from the beginning of human history God has shown up. What you see for the first time, God sees every day. Can you imagine how many people God has led through the journey of cancer? You may be new to your journey but remember—God has been over this road countless times and knows His way around every bump in the road. You could never be in better hands!

Pray: Experienced and faithful God, I bring to You today that which is new for me, but not for You. My problems may be new to me—but never to You. You’ve led others through cancer many times before. With You, today, I know I am in good hands! Amen.    

Your Turn: While facing yourself in the mirror today, repeat these words three times: “I am not God’s first rodeo!”



Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver

Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.”

Cancer Companion has a daily devotional, plus many, many helps for those dealing with cancer…

Cancercompanion.org

Lord of Eternity….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLJc9NrPB9c