"The cancer has progressed."
These are not the words a stage 4 breast cancer fighter ever wants to hear from her doctor, not ever. Yet, these were the words I heard last week. As I sat in the chair next to my husband, I bit my lip and told myself, "Don't cry, don't cry, not now." For some reason, I felt like I had to be brave and strong. It was if I was showing the cancer who was boss and letting it know that it was not going to win. When my doctor told me how my treatment would be changing, the walls I had built around myself started to crumble, it was at that moment fear and dread crept across my soul. All I could keep thinking was, "Not again, not again."
When we finally got into the car, I was numb. As my husband held my hand and prayed with me, I let the tears flow freely, as the Lord heard our cries for help.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
~ Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
As the week progressed, the first four words of Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear," kept running through my mind over and over again. I kept telling myself, "Do not fear, the Lord has this. The Lord is already in the midst of this, He hears, He sees, He understands, He will give me strength." Each and every day, I've had to wake up and release the situation to Him.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned on my journey with breast cancer is...
I can't do this on my own.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." ~ 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
I can't even begin to understand this journey on my own.
I know I don't have the strength to fight this cancer by myself. It means a total reliance on the Father and a total devotion to Him in every area of my life.
When we run across problems in life that are outside of our control, it doesn't do any good to worry and fret about them. It steals us of our todays and takes all of our strength for our tomorrows.
The only way to overcome, is to completely give our lives to Him. Not just pieces here and there...
Everything.
Are you ready to stop facing your battles alone? Are you ready to be total devoted to Christ?
Give it up, let it go, lay it down and walk this journey of life in peace with the Heavenly Father guiding each step of the way.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~ Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
It is time for the Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesday Link Up. We desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories in their comments.
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Shari, what a heart-felt, transparent post...praying for you...Our Heavenly Father, You alone have the power to heal Shari completely. We ask that You wrap Your Loving Arms around Shari, give her a continual awareness of Your Presence and Your Peace. We come to You believing that All things are Possible with You. We are bringing Shari to You acknowledging that her body belongs to You. You made it, You know what’s wrong with it, and You know how to fix it. You alone are the Great Physician. You are Jehovah Jireh, the One who can meet this need. You are Jehovah Rapha, the One who heals. We ask that You give the doctors wisdom in knowing what to do and when to do it. You are El Shaddai, Almighty God nothing is too difficult for You. But God, whatever You decide to do, we believe You have Your reasons and we will accept it. We may not understand it, but we do accept it. We know You never make a mistake, that You do all things perfectly, and You are always on Time. As in all things, we ask that Your Will be done, and no matter what, we will keep looking to You as our Savior and our Lord. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
ReplyDeleteShari, Agreeing with Beth in prayer.
ReplyDeleteI have lifted you up to the Great Physician and the God of all Comfort. May your heart feel God's presence in profound ways and may God's peace rule in your heart and mind.
Shari, my heart is grieving with you over this hard to deal with news. I can't imagine. Yet, I do know that the LOVE that holds you will never let you go, the FOUNDATION that you stand on is immoveable and unshakeable, and the GOD who saved you will never, never, never, no never leave or forsake you or loosen His hold on you. Much, much love and prayers for miracles!
ReplyDeleteOh, dear friend. I am just SO sorry to hear this, and it is so hard to even find any words to say. I am praying for you and believing with you for the miracle you need. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear friend. I am just SO sorry to hear this, and it is so hard to even find any words to say. I am praying for you and believing with you for the miracle you need. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDelete