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| Trouble: Waters gone by"You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by." Job 11:16
Reading God's word is like applying balm to a wound. Apply it long enough, and with care, and the wound eventually closes, heals and fades away. I'm giving thanks today as I recall the breast cancer diagnosis I was given three years ago on May 11, and being pronounced cancer free since mid-July of 2006. So this is my prayer of thanks to the great Healer of body, heart and mind.
O God, in times of trouble you meet every need and fear with your tender, peaceful presence. When it's dark you give comfort and light. When the "experts" pronounce judgement you sweep it away. Your verdict stands. You control all things. Bless you, Lord. Encourage those today who need your healing and peace. Lavish on them the strong presence of your Spirit. Remove all pain and fear. Our eyes are on you.
"Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor." Job 11-17-19
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| Right Where We're Supposed to BeYesterday we threw an open house at our place, celebrating our move to northwest Houston after 22 years of living in the neighborhood where my husband John grew up and where we began our high school romance. Family, friends and co-workers all came to "warm" us into the new place. It was a wonderful afternoon of connecting with folks we have known for many years and some we've just recently met. The last guest to arrive shared a story that encouraged my faith and helped me to worship right there in the middle of our new home.
Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. We had lost touch for a year or two and the only reason I found out she was having surgery was that Donna, my sister-in-law, saw her in the parking lot of one of our favorite clothing stores. We got together with her and prayed around Donna's kitchen table before she went under the knife. Oddly enough she was seeing the same doctor I had seen when I had my own bout with breast cancer the year before. After Carolyn's surgery Donna and I (and our husbands) went to visit her.
As far as I knew all was well until early this year when I learned that Carolyn wasn't expected to make it. The doctors had discovered cancer in her spine and it was stage 4. Of course we couldn't believe it.
While in our living room last night Carolyn shared that how even though her nodes were clear cancer showed up, and were it not for a doctor who encouraged her to have a PET scan she might not have known about it until it was too late. The doctors reported to her that the cancer was in a low vertebra and would require extensive surgery that would have laid her up in bed for many months. As a single mother, she decided it wasn't an option. They told her to get her affairs in order, so that's when Carolyn began a search to save her life.
She simply Googled "spine cancer cure" and found out about a machine that could kill cancer of the spine without surgery. There were only three of these machines in Texas and one was at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Carolyn's neighbor across the street just "happened" to work there and connected her with the appropriate doctor.
"When I thought my number was up I told God I wouldn't forsake Him," she said. "I also told him I didn't understand why this was happening to me, but I would accept His will, whatever it was." That was the night before she went in for her consultation. The next morning, after the doctor examined her, he told her not only was it was treatable, but he believed she would be cured. "One night I thought I might die and by 9:30 the next morning I had hope that I was going to live."
"It occurred to me that as a believer wherever I am is where I'm supposed to be," she said. "No matter what my situation -- even if it isn't where I'd like to be -- it's where God is working. Maybe someone else can find Him in the middle of my situation. The worst that can happen to me is that I end up in heaven."
After five treatments Carolyn has been declared cancer free.
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| Hope in times of crisis
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” Ps. 33:18-19
These verses struck me this morning as I sat down to spend a little time praying and reading my Bible. I’ve thought a bit about the economic crisis that’s plaguing our country and the world. I hear about home foreclosures and people losing their jobs. These are frightening times for many.
I recall praying a great deal during those sorts of times in our lives: a couple of bouts of unemployment that my husband has gone through – once when he was the sole provider and I stayed home with our young children. One round of unemployment lasted nearly a year, but I had a job at the time (albeit with a small salary); And then there was a hellish job experience (during the same time frame as the year-long unemployment) over the course of nearly three years where many days I felt I’d rather die (literally, some days) than have to go in to work; and then a few years later when I learned I had breast cancer.
Our lives are not unique. There is trouble on every side in our world – both for believers and unbelievers. The difference, I believe, in the quality of the journey and the ultimate destination is in Whom we place our hope during difficult times. Do I fret about things I can’t control, or go to the One who has all power to change the situation – or change me (for the better) – in the process?
There’s no doubt about it; adversity changes us forever. But how -- by making us hopeless, or by drawing us closer to the One who can sustain us? Are His eyes on me to deliver me from death and keep me alive in famine? The choice is up to me.
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| Mirrors and BlessingsGood lab results of some blood tests I had taken some time ago came unexpectedly in yesterday’s mail. I had initially received the good report by email from the doctor, so the thick letter that landed on my dining table wasn’t alarming, but rather served to remind me that my experience with breast cancer is starting to look smaller and smaller in the rear view mirror as I approach three years post-diagnosis. And I am grateful.
Mirrors, more for women than men, I suppose, are enemies rather than friends. But last night at the Wellness Center (where I make myself work out) I caught a glimpse of my profile while lifting weights and marveled that there was something, where once, for a short while at least, there had been nothing. It was a good thing to see. I am grateful.
One of the first thoughts I had after being diagnosed was that I hoped God would use this disease in my life for good—that through it all I might become more a reflection of Him to others who crossed my path. I’m still working on that one, but I wonder if there are others like me who felt God’s strong presence during cancer, who were blessed to encounter people whose special mission, it seemed, was to encourage and remind you that He would never leave you alone. Of course I know there are others, and I really like hearing their stories. Maybe disease wasn’t part of your experience at all, but whatever it was you knew He was there. Hearing about God’s activity in others’ lives brings joy—and hope to the heart. Please share yours. I’d be grateful. suzmurphy@comcast.net
“And we know that God causes all things [even cancer] to work together for good to them that love Him, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
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