As some of you know, I had breast cancer in 1988.   I’ve written some blog posts about it* and many of you knew me then.  At that time, my five children ranged from ages 7 to 16.  I was 35 and my husband was not yet delivered from alcoholism.  It was a tough time, to say the least, but the Lord used it to bring about some much-needed changes in my life.  This entry was written two years later as I was doing my personal Bible study.

From the journal. . . . September  1990

Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; They did not love their lives so much as to shrink away from death. NIV

Lord, this is a little confusing to me.  If I had refused surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, I would probably be dead.  Unless You had willed it otherwise, but at the time it seemed true foolishness to refuse.

And I Believe God Said:

It was not the time for you to die.*^1.  You did right.  I led you each step.  You moved in faith.  That is the key.  I led your mind.  You received My guidance because you were dependent on Me.^*2  I led you and you followed.  Even at the anguish of your soul, you wanted My will.  You wondered if your faith was weak.  It was not.  You didn’t understand but you still held firm.  Your faith was firm even though you thought it was shaky. Your emotions were shaky. They still are, but that is not you.  Your heart was with Me all the way.  The pain came from separating your heart from your feelings and mind.  I accomplished what I set out to do.  There is still more to be done, things you don’t understand, but remember: I hold your heart – your spirit – in My hand^*3 and there it will stay.  Your body, your mind, your emotions will perish but not your spirit.  All that is ‘you’ will live on with Me in glory.  You will be resurrected with Me, yes, with Me throughout eternity.^*4

^*1 Psalm 36: You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. NLT
^*2 Ps 16:7-8. I will bless the Lord who guides me;  even at night my heart instructs me.
 I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. NLT
^*3 Isaiah 41:13. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,   ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. NLT
^*4 John14:3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. NLT

And for those who believe in Him, that’s the Best News Ever!!!

God brings healing in many different ways, and He uses a variety of people and strategies.   He knows what is best and I believe that’s between Him and His child.  Our best option is to trust and listen to Him.

*Encouragingmoments4you.com.   Click on Cancer Category.