BUT NOW, THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS!

It was more than difficult to sit in the medical office listening to the treatment plan and being advised of the difficulties and pain of the weeks ahead. To have medical professionals describe the cancerous tumor on my neck as difficult to deal with because of its location was not greatly encouraging. All in all, it was a painful and discouraging hour.

About seven or eight weeks ago I discovered a swelling on the left side of my neck right along the jaw in the lymph gland area. After a couple of trips to the doctor, treatment by antibiotics, a CT Scan and a needle biopsy, my doctor called to tell me that the growth was cancerous. That set off a whole string of other doctors getting involved. Suddenly I had a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, an ear-nose-throat surgeon, and I had more scans and additional biopsies taken from my throat and tongue. I can heartily recommend that you not have your tonsils removed at my age! That procedure opened up a door of pain and discomfort that I have not experienced before.

Before Carol and I sat down with the radiation oncologist’s staff to hear them lay out for us the treatment plan and fully explain what would be involved, we prepared ourselves both spiritually and medically for what was to come.

Spiritually we have taken our stand for healing. We both believe that God heals the sick and our foundational healing Scriptures are Isaiah 53:4-5 and Psalm 91:1-3. We had the elders of our church anoint me with oil and pray for healing; we have enlisted an army of family and friends to stand with us in prayer and faith; and every day I cry out to God for healing. I know that the Lord has not given this infirmity to me and I also know that He has not, at this time, taken it from me. I understand that right now this is the “deep water” I am to walk through and I am at peace.

On the medical side the Lord has supernaturally led us to some of the very best cancer specialists in this area. The doors have opened for almost immediate appointments and the care has been incredible.

All through the process I knew the doctors were not telling us everything about the level of difficulty and the side effects of the treatment. I can tell when someone is holding something back but eventually most of that came out. The radiation nurse told us, “I wish I could tell you different but the last couple of weeks of treatment are going to be hellish. The pain and soreness in the neck and throat is going to build up until you won’t want to eat or drink anything because it will just be too painful.”

It was a sober drive home and in the SUV Carol reminded me of a passage of Scripture that I had shared with our daughter Leslie the day before. I had printed out a copy of Isaiah 43 and it was sitting on my desk when I got home. The passage reads like God participated in the conversation in the doctor’s office and He was now having the final word.

“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you….he who formed you…. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you…you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God…you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you…do not be afraid, for I am with you…" (Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV).

I am not writing this blog post to elicit pity or sympathy…frankly I don’t want either. I have prepared this because some of you, like me, are going through your own deep waters, your own fires of tribulation, and a few of you are about ready to give up. His promise to you is the same as it is to me: “You are mine…you are precious and honored in my sight…I love you…do not be afraid!”

We do go through treacherous experiences but He will be with us to protect and keep us. We will pass through rivers of trouble and pain that will threaten to overwhelm us but He will not allow that to happen—His hand will restrain the destruction. We will go through fires of temptation and affliction; we’ll feel the heat but we will not be burned nor will we be destroyed.

I love God more today than I ever have in my life. I trust Him and because I am passing through deep waters doesn’t mean that somehow I have failed Him or that I am lacking in faith. It means I am passing through deep waters and He will show Himself strong on my behalf.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (Jesus to the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:9).

“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (Paul’s declaration, 2 Corinthians 12:10).