As my husband delivered the doctor’s report, all I could think was, “NO! Not again! Please, no… “
Just a week before, I sat in the surgical waiting room as the surgeon assured me he had gotten clean margins as he took a biopsy. Something in me knew then what the result would be. I can’t explain it. We prayed that the results would come back negative. Friends and family assured me that they felt certain they would. Yet somehow I knew what I would hear today.
My mind flashed back to hearing the same news years before…the pain, the devastation, the fear that came upon hearing that your husband had cancer and was told to “Get your affairs in order…” Really? We had a baby at home who needed to grow up with his father, and I was a wife who needed her husband. Just how does one go about “getting your affairs in order”? Nothing prepares you for that. Not then, not now.
But God proved Himself faithful before and we know He will be faithful again. The difference this time is that we know how to fight now in a way that we didn’t know how before. This time we know how to war against the enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our family (John 10:10), and to stand on the truths God has given in His word.
We believe that no weapon formed against us or our family will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
We know that God knows the plans He has for my husband and our family, and those plans are good, and they are to prosper us and not to harm us, and they include a future and a hope! (Jeremiah 29:11)
We believe that despite what our circumstances look like, God will work all things together for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
We trust that God was not taken by surprise by this diagnosis, and that ALL of my husband’s days are numbered in His book (Psalm 139:16). No medical report can change that.
The days are not easy, and the treatment is nothing short of hard. But we have hope in a God who sees, a God who knows, a God who heals, a God who restores, a God who cares, and a God who is faithful to keep His word and fulfill His promises!
Because of Him, #HopePrevails! Yes, even in cancer, #HopePrevails!
Where have you seen God fulfill His promises in your life? We’d love for you to encourage others with your testimony of His faithfulness in the comments below!
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
A short brief about Hope Prevails.
Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide
- An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
- As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
- Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations
In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.
For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real hope for the future.
Hope Prevails is available now wherever books are sold. To find out more, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.
I’ll be praying for your family, and so sorry you’re going through this, Michelle. It’s beautiful to see your faith rising up. What a great post!
Michelle,
Thank you for sharing your faith. I pray God continues to heal our husband and strengthen him, you, and your family as you fight cancer again. ((hugs))
“Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His holy will abideth;
I will be still whate’er He doth;
And follow where He guideth;
He is my God; though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to Him I leave it all.”
Praying you all will feel the arms of the Almighty lifting each of you up…when you can’t lift yourselves. Love and prayers!
Cancer simply stinks, doesn’t it? I’m so sorry you and your family are facing all the trials of the past year +. I’m watching you via social media as you go through this. Your hope sits well, Michelle. I know it can’t be easy, but you are plodding forward, warrior style. Please know that you, your husband, and boys have and will continue to be prayed for. We serve a mighty God who is master at comforting in the midst of all our troubles. Here’s a (((hug))) across the state line. #livefree
Your profound hope rang loud and clear throughout this entire post and brings much encouragement in all things!
I’ve always found such comfort in Isaiah 43:19 when the medical community says something like “Get your affairs in order”.
“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. 19″Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”
Offering prayers to the Great Physician and the God of all Comfort as you go through this season trusting that indeed God will do a new thing!
Hi Michelle, thank you for your anazing encouragement!! Please can I share with you what God has done for my husband he can do for yours!! He had a major stroke a few months ago!! One which the medics said typically would leave someone permanently paralysed or worse but he made a full recovery much to their surprise!!!
I just want to encourage you to keep standing and proclaiming God’s amazing healing and restoration over your husband!!!
I know it’s a challenge and as a Mum and full time Carer to a child with autism I too have to proclaim healing and wholeness over our soon. He too has had his challenges bless him but we WILL see him conquer them in the mighty Name of Jesus!!
There is power in the blood xx
God bless you dear Sister and thank you again for sharing your story x
I pray that God heals your husband and that you both sense the sustaining strength of His strong arms around you!
What encouraging words – hope does prevail. Praying for you and your family.
Thanks for sharing (and linking up to the last SHINE Blog Hop).
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo