NWW ~ Here I Am

By Rhonda Zweber

The Lord called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.” He called him again and again, before Samuel realized it was the Lord calling him. Samuel answered, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel, Chapter 3)

“Here I am, Lord, I come to do Your will.” Each time I read that passage, it automatically turns into the Psalm we sing at church. It has become a short prayer for me in the last several years; a prayer to remind me what I am called to do. Accepting God’s will for us can be difficult, but if we read in various scriptures how God will provide whatever we need to do His will, we can rely on His words and relax in His love. Easier said than done, I know. It takes more than just one time of saying “here I am” to make it stick. We need to continually ask for guidance, grace, and courage to do His will. Some days may be harder to follow God’s lead, but we must persevere, knowing that Heaven will be our reward.

I knew from the day of my cancer diagnosis that God had a plan for me; I just didn’t know what the plan was. It took some time for me to let go of what I thought my life was supposed to be like and let God take over. I thought I was doing a decent job at it, and then something new would enter my life to test my trust in Him. I have come to really believe, with my whole heart and soul, that I was put on this earth to praise Him always, even through my cancer returning. Especially through my cancer returning! I have been able to see the mercy God has shown me in small ways and in life-size ways. Each time I recognize His mercy, I thank Him for it, and my trust in Him grows stronger.

Try something today. Take a few minutes and thank God for the blessings in your life. Then, ask Him, “What can I do for You today?” Then, sit quietly and listen. Open your heart, and pay attention to what your body and mind are doing. If someone comes to your mind, God may be asking you to do something for that person. Sometimes it may be obvious, and sometimes it may not. Continue your conversation with God and you may be surprised by what you “hear.”

About the Author:

Rhonda Zweber and her husband of 22 years have three beautiful daughters. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Rhonda’s faith began to grow and she created the Pink Prayer Warriors ministry at her parish, St. Michael in Prior Lake, MN, to support and pray for other cancer warriors. When her cancer returned, her faith and trust in God’s plan gave her the motivation to share her journey with others, and she is currently working on her second book, which documents her faith journey through cancer. Rhonda’s first book, Mommy’s Hats, is her cancer story through the eyes of her youngest daughter. Rhonda has created her own blog, Relax in His Love, and you can email her at relaxinHislove@gmail.com.