Back in 1988 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  The Lord worked it out to strengthen me and make me more useful to Him.  Relationships are always very important to the Lord, and He brought me some new friendships through those hard times, as well as deepened ones I already had.

My friend Joan, who was about ten years older, was diagnosed shortly after I was, so we got pretty close during that time.  I’m still here after almost forty years, but the Lord took her home much sooner.  At the time of this entry, she had advanced to stage four breast cancer. Unless God worked supernaturally, she would likely be gone in less than a year. I loved my friend and prayed from my heart to the Lord. I knew my opinions weren’t important, but I needed to voice them to the Lord. More than anything I wanted peace for her.

From the journal . . . . February 1991

Joan won’t accept death for herself now.  I couldn’t bring myself to push it.  Lord, help me to be gentle.  I wonder why she is holding on so tightly.  Maybe she isn’t sure of how great life with You will be.  When I prayed with her, I may have said something about that, but I’m not sure.  Lord, maybe that is something she should really look at.  Maybe I should too. Lord, please speak to her.

And God Said to me:

Tell her to look at Me.  Hold on to Me.  Let go of life, but hold onto Me.  If you hold on to your life, you will lose it.  If you give it to Me, you will find it.

Luke 17:33 Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

Trust Me .  The plans I have for you are good, to give you a future and a hope. Your mind, your feelings, your body are not your strong point.  I Am.  Joan, it will be okay.  Trust Me.  You don’t need to understand, nor think right.  Just trust Me.  I love you because you are My child.  I am your Father.

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

I am perfect! You don’t have to be a perfect daughter.  You have a perfect Father who loves you to perfection.

Psalm 18:30. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. NLT

Matt 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

Come to Me and I will give you rest.  Give Me your burdens, including the burden of life, and I will give you a peace and joy of life that you have never known.

Matt 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. NIV

Whether we are facing a life-threatening illness or some other awful situation in our lives, these words are for us.  He never meant for us to carry our burdens alone and He is here for us. He was there for Joan and even with me as I tried to be a help and comfort to her.  He’s a Good God and He has a good plan!