No life is without its sudden surprises, and all of us have had shocking news at one time or another. I vividly remember the moment Nate and I were told of the mass on his liver, which ultimately turned out to be pancreatic cancer.
On Tuesday of this week, Mary and her family received one of those knock-down punches when they learned that her cancer, held at bay for 8 months, had suddenly returned. It was an awful day, most of which was spent in clinical waiting rooms, testing areas, and doctor’s offices. But even after heading home, their misery continued, since they had to deliver the bad news to each of their 7 grown children.
Wednesday, however, was a better day.
The human heart wants to lean into hope, and Mary and Bervin have an abundance of it, since it’s always rooted in Jesus Christ. Tonight Mary said, “I’m feeling good right now, and sometimes I completely forget I have cancer. Then someone will say something about life after death, or I’ll get a thought about the fleeting nature of time, and I remember. I guess it takes a while for the full truth to set in.”
She continued. “Sometimes, when I’m thinking about my limited future, I wonder about the disease itself and what will happen when it takes over. But as soon as doubts and fears creep in, I go back to what I’m sure of: God’s promises. At that point I need to re-claim them, and may have to do it again and again.”
Mary says that when her thoughts get shaky, she asks herself a simple question. “What does the Bible say?” Then she reminds herself that if it’s in God’s Word, she believes it.
For example, when the Lord says he’ll never leave her no matter what, she can depend on that. When it says his grace will be sufficient to her every need, she can stop being nervous about how bad it might get. When it says God is her sustainer, she knows he’ll carry her through anything that comes.
As she puts it, “I want to base my outlook on the facts, not the other way around.”
And the fact is, today was another very good day.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
Praising and Praying with Mary
- Please pray that my situation would not cause anyone to have a heavy heart.
- Praise for a wonderful family that is surrounding me with love and care.
