Have you ever had something happen that just rocked your world, or took out your legs from beneath you?
I experienced just that when the doctor recently called unexpectedly to say, “I’m sorry to tell you this, but you have cancer.”
I sat stunned for a few seconds before she broke into my wildly running thoughts, to ask if then was a good time to schedule surgery. I couldn’t think straight, much less talk on the phone and look at my calendar at the same time. I agreed to call her back later.
The next 24 hours were a whirlwind of emotion. I remained in shock for many hours. I just could not believe the words I heard, or that they applied to me. I thought I was healthy, reasonably physically fit.
As I began to share the news with my closest friends and family, the shock began to wear off and the reality of the situation started to sink in. Many had questions I couldn’t answer, or advice I wasn’t ready for. But most offered to pray, and as I thanked them each for their prayers, I also reiterated my faith in the Great Physician. I shared that to encourage them, but I also found it bolstered my own faith.
I knew this hadn’t taken God by surprise, and I knew that He already knew how He was going to get me through whatever the future held. I had seen God be faithful time and time again, and I had no reason to doubt that He would be in this situation as well.
Share your testimony
Scripture says that we defeat the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelations 12:11). Sharing our testimony of what God has done in our life encourages others to have faith in Him. It bolsters their faith when they need it.
As I spent time reflecting on what this new journey for me held, I wanted to bolster my faith, so I turned to Scripture. I’m so thankful that God has given us the Bible to guide us, to encourage us, to comfort us. In times like this, I remember God’s care for His people in the Bible.
Gaining encouragement and comfort from testimonies in the Bible
God gave Moses, Aaron and Hur to help hold his arms up when he was weary in battle. I’m thanking God for the many who have offered prayers on behalf of me and my family, knowing God has heard them and will answer.
The woman with the issue of blood merely needed to touch the hem of Jesus’s garment, and He didn’t shame her for it. He loved her and healed her. I am reaching for His hem.
Daniel was not alone when he was put in the lion’s den. I’m depending on God to be with me through this as well.
Naomi and Ruth were grieving, but God led them to the place where they would be provided for, and Ruth would find her Boaz. I will trust God to lead me through this journey and to learn what He wants me to learn as well.
When she was obedient to God, the widow of Zarephath and her son were provided enough oil and flour to last them for years during the drought and famine. I will continue to be obedient to what God has asked me to do.
And I love that David didn’t worry about how big his Goliath was because he knew how big his God was. Today, I’m focusing on how big my God is. The way I choose to look at it is that cancer is a little “c” but Christ and His finished work on the cross are a Big “C” that triumphs over cancer. My bet is on Him.
Where do you find comfort or inspiration from others’ testimonies in the Bible? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
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Amen. Sharing our testimony and experiences can be a blessing to us and to others. Through my breast cancer journey in 2005, my husband and I were able to start a cancer support group at our church, start a Relay for Life team with the American Cancer Society and also, be a support and listening ear to many people who called us to share their own cancer diagnosis and journey. I would not have asked for cancer, but my husband, son, and family turned a bad thing into something to help others. I am praying for you and your family Dr. Michelle.
Thank you for your prayers Melissa. My husband and I have also had the opportunity to comfort others with the comfort God has given us. That’s a beautiful thing.
Thank you for sharing your testimony with all of us. You are a beacon of light pointing to our Lord. Love your faith and I will continue to pray. I have no doubt God’s Got this and your have God. Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up. Maree
Maree Dee,
I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving. I appreciate your kind words. It is the prayers of others that has lent us strength in the difficult days.
Yes, prayers are powerful. I chose this post to feature on Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up. Yes, I had a blessed Thanksgiving. I hope you did too.
Thank you Maree Dee. I pray it blesses others who are going through a difficult time.
Thank you for your continued support Maree Dee.
Praying for you, Michelle. Your faith in God is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. The more people you share with, the more “prayer warriors” you have on your side!
Thank you Laurie. I don’t know how people make it through trials like this when they don’t know the Lord! We are strengthened by the prayers of others.