We have all learned this lesson on a personal level. God was with us then & He is with us now as we take this journey again.
After a routine mammogram last month Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even though the doctors estimated only a 5% chance of cancer, they erred on the side of caution & prescribed a biopsy which confirmed the cells were cancerous. We are grateful that this was caught so incredibly early. The doctor said he was amazed that the technician who read her first mammogram (there was a second one ordered) was even able to see the abnormal cells. The doctor's comment to Jenny was, "You have someone looking out for you."
Jenny had surgery last Thursday, October 11th to remove the cancerous cells. God was gracious & the surgery was smooth & without complications. Within 5 days we had the pathology report: one of the small specks of cancer had grown beyond the original place. They also found another lump larger than the first ones. This is now considered an invasive cancer. She will have a second surgery on November 1st & they will remove the cancer & a lymph node to contain the potential spread of cancer.
God is so good. I know that probably sounds strange after a paragraph detailing a growing cancer threat. But God IS good. Never once through this entire trial have any of us, including Jenny, experienced any worry, anxiety, fear or doubt. Not when we got the news. Not when Jenny was heading into surgery. And not even when it was confirmed that the cancer was invasive. I foolishly keep waiting for it to hit, as if I should be surprised that God provides strength & peace when we need it. As Jenny & I were talking last night we both marveled at the peace that truly surpasses all understanding. It is totally unexplainable & totally from God.
Just as God promised that He would be with the Israelites when they passed through the rough waters & they would not be overwhelmed by them, He will be with us. No matter what we are facing we have assurance that He is in control, He is for us & He hears us when we call on Him. I remind myself of this daily, thanking God that He takes away any doubts or fears that could even begin to creep in.
Truth be told, Jenny's biggest concern is for Chris & the kids. I understand that on a deep level. The mama bear in me never wants to see my kids hurting. I hate to see them suffering & would remove any of it if I could. Thankfully, God's thoughts are so much higher than my own. He tells us to consider it a joy when we face trials because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. How would we ever know how or be able to trust Him if we never faced any difficulties? I have talked to Chris & the kids & they also have the same God-given peace. I love that God doesn't overlook any of us - He not only made sure that Jenny had complete peace going into surgery but He even gives peace to our kids.
Of course there will be moments of weakness. We are warned that the enemy is crouching like a lion waiting to attack for a reason. At our weakest moments he is hoping we will surrender our joy to fear. We can either give in to fear or submit to the Lord, trusting that He's in control. It is here that we find the peace that surpasses all understanding. I will admit that normally, I am a chronic over thinker. My thoughts usually swirl around me in an endless circle of "what-if's". But not this time. It reminded me of Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. No agitation, distress or worry but waters of rest.
We don't know what the future holds but we know Who holds the future. God is nearer that He has ever been & he hems us in. Isaiah 52:12c "...for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard." He truly went before Jenny when she went in for her routine mammogram. He gave the technician eyes to see the small spots of cancer that could have easily been overlooked. He caused the doctor to err on the side of caution rather than assuming that it was probably nothing & sending her away for another year. He was with the surgeon & gave them the ability to find the cancerous cells & recognize that it had grown & spread. God is stronger & more powerful than we can even begin to imagine & that includes any invasive cancer within. He is gracious. He is merciful. He is in complete control & we can put our faith & trust in Him.
Thank you to all of you for praying for Jenny & for our family. Please understand that we are not foolishly optimistic like some Disney princess singing & walking through the forest with woodland creatures dancing at her feet. We know, all too well, the cost that is sometimes required when cancer comes. But faith in God assures us that His plan is perfect. He decides when our work on this earth is done. We trust that He is working ALL things, even the sufferings of this life, out for our good. We pray that He receives complete & absolute glory along the way.
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