It’s been a long 6 months for my sister Mary. When a doctor announces to a patient that she has cancer, particularly an aggressive one like pancreatic, her thoughts begin to spin fast while life abruptly slows down. It’s just one of the many oxymorons attached to this horrible disease, and Mary has had her share.
Though she’s had a variety of valid reasons to complain, she hasn’t. And though it would have been easy to melt into self-pity, she hasn’t done that either. Instead she’s been a walking, talking example of a woman who has brought pleasure to God by doing exactly what his Word instructs: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
God said, “That’s my will for you, Mary, especially now.” And she heard… and obeyed.
Actually, that’s his will for all of us, regardless of circumstances, and it’s a good idea if every so often we rate ourselves according to God’s directions. When I asked Mary if she’d like to say something special on tonight’s blog, she jumped right to his 3rd instruction above. She gave thanks.
“Thank the blog readers for their prayers. God has been incredibly faithful to answer them, and it’s such a comfort and encouragement to know I’m not in this battle alone. God is an ever-present help in trouble and holds me by the hand as I walk through this valley of death.
“I feel like I’m being cheered on by friends, family, and your wonderful blog readers who I’ve never met. They’re cheering me on just like that cloud of witnesses we read about in Hebrews.”
Mary has one more chemo infusion to go, after weathering 17 of them. And because she has remained within the confines of God’s will throughout her struggle, her feet have not slipped from his firm place to stand.
Her concluding word tonight was, “To have the kind of support and encouragement I’ve had all along is truly amazing! I am humbled, and so blessed.”
Maybe this could be the way God works all things together for good. Pancreatic cancer? The misery of chemo? Weight loss, nausea, fatigue, fuzzy vision? Mary is still in the “valley,” but her summary statement tonight is, “I am so blessed.”
We can all take a lesson.
I waited patiently for the Lord…. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:1-2
Praise The Lord for the great things He has done!
Remember that God is with us as we go *through the valley*, and soon Mary will be through – God is always Good, and so Faithful!
Praying for Mary as she finishes the chemo. Encouraged by the thoughts shared and humbled as I hear her story and her heart of gratitude and trust. Love to you and hour precious family.
Thanks,Margaret,for putting everything together. Thank you ,Mary,for being so gracious and a faithful witness for the Lord Jesus. I read each new blog and am blessed before I go up to Pine Ridge to see my wife,Pearl. Blessings. Jim Glauser.
Your blog continues to such a blessing. Thanks so much for including Mary’s journey, encouragement and victories.
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to her and all of us.
I am grateful for Mary’s example of following after God and His ways! Mary, thank you for living out the truth of the gospel, in the strength of the Lord.
Continuing to pray for Mary – and for Berv and the rest of the family. They are all taking this journey.
Thank you Mary and Margaret for reminding us to give thanks in all our circumstances. I tend to loathe a lot of little things I can’t control. Nice verse and excellent examples shared our your abilities to live in faith as Jesus had to to show us the way. Was a blessing to read this.
Such a witness of God’s goodness to Mary’s obedience and deep abiding faith! thank you, Margaret, for sharing this journey.
the operative word in the blog is “through the valley”…..’though I walk ‘through the valley of the shadow of death’…….God IS with us, and in the valley is where things grow the best. Death is only a ‘shadow’, and will not ‘live forever’….the spirit will. Mary’s spirit is strong and she will soon be ‘climbing’ again. PTL!!
Dear Mary: I have been praying for you ever since I heard about your situation but I have not posted anything here. Perhaps this winter, after you have settled in and the chemo is well behind you, I can come and visit with you. The Lord be with you (as I know he is).
Mary, continued prayers as you round the bend on the chemo treatments. What a blessing to read your words–faithful and following Christ’s example. Prayers for comfort and continued healing. Prayers for each family member who holds you close in their hearts.
Thanks, Margaret , for your skillful commentary. Judi
Mary’s photo shows a very healthy and content, beautiful Child of God. With the outside light shining in on her, she glows. She is definitely letting her Light Shine, so others can see Jesus, and perhaps even meet HIM, through this Blog. Dear Heavenly Father, you know who is reading Margaret’s Blog, and you already know who has not yet accepted YOU, as their personal Lord and Savior. Please continue to work in the readers’ hearts, and I pray that all who need to be Born Again, will do so now, before it’s too late. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.