Words of Life

I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in June 2012.  Besides being shocked, because I had felt fine until a few weeks earlier, I felt that I just wasn’t a strong enough person to go through what I knew was ahead.  My mother had passed away just 3 years earlier from uterine cancer and I knew some of what she went through.

I had seen God’s faithfulness many times before and knew he would be with me every step of the way on this cancer journey. His word had always been precious to me, but it became something that would truly be a lifeline. From the beginning and still today the following verses have given me courage.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philip. 4:13)

 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor.12: 9-10)

God’s word encourages us, and gives us peace.  As I laid in intensive care after surgery, still groggy from the drugs, barely able to talk or move, my sweet daughter Danielle read soothing words from the Psalms that calmed my spirit.

When I got home from the hospital my dear friend Dianne, along with bringing meals, brought me a blue notebook that I treasure to this day.  In it she wrote out bible verses and inserted my name in each of them.  I poured over those scriptures daily.  Along with my strong husband, the blue notebook became a faithful companion during my chemo sessions.

Words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 says that Death and life are in the power of the tongue. God’s word brings life, but I would come to realize that negative words have power too.
 During my recovery, a well-meaning friend who had also had ovarian cancer called and relayed one negative thing after another that happened to her during her cancer journey.  When I hung up the phone I felt terrible! I felt bad for her, but I also started feeling terrible inside.  I knew right then that I could not let that negativity get into my spirit!  I needed to shift my thinking and as Philippians 4:8 instructs us: think on things that are pure, lovely and a good report.
 There are many ways to get God’s living word in your life; words that will encourage, bring peace and give life. Everyday open up the bible and read His precious promises. You may even want to start your own blue notebook.  Bible Gateway is a great place to search for scriptures on whatever you need. There are many great devotionals out there too.  A few that really spoke to me through the cancer journey were Jesus Calling and Jesus Today by Sarah Young and Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts Devotional. 

This month I am celebrating 3 years with NED – No Evidence of Disease- healed, as I like to say! I am so grateful to God and am thankful each day for life.

My daughter Danielle,  granddaughter Sophie and yours truly celebrating God's faithfulness!

Whatever struggle you are going through, let God’s word fill you.

His words bring life.

 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107:20

Stronger

I have never felt particularly strong: physically, mentally or emotionally. When I found out I had cancer, I remember not being fearful of the cancer itself.  The diagnosis had taken me totally by surprise, but I knew it hadn’t taken God by surprise.  He knew.  What did make me fearful was that I didn’t feel I had the strength that it would take to get through to the other side of it.  One of the first things I did was got a notebook and started writing scriptures down that I could take to the hospital with me.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

When I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12:10

I have never needed or used those verses more than in the past two years. Each hard, hesitant step of the way, I would remind myself of those words the apostle Paul wrote during his trials and hardships. Many days I felt overwhelmed, but God was there to fill me with His strength and power.

You may feel utterly weak and lack the strength to take the next step.  But take it.  God is with you- holding you up when you feel faint, holding your hand when you feel alone. Nudging you forward when you’d rather retreat.

 

You may feel small compared to the big problem that looms in front of you.  You may feel insignificant compared to the situation you desire to have an impact on. You may feel ill-equipped to handle the task that has been given to you. But all these things are easy for Him.  Let Him take control. He will be:

Strength in your weakness

Courage in your fear

Faith in your doubt

Peace in your storm.

Dear friend, what do you need today? It is all His – at His disposal, ready to hand out if we would just ask.

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV)

He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.