Read Isaiah 61:
1-3
As I approach my birthday this coming February 12th,
I’m reminded of exactly one year ago during this time I was preparing to go
through my first round of cancer treatment.
When I walked into the chemo suite I was petrified with fear. Going through chemotherapy is what scared me
most.
Lord how am I ever
going to get through this! Is this
really happening to me?
For those of you who has ever
gone through treatment for cancer, or has known someone who has (especially
chemotherapy and radiation), severe side effects are not uncommon. Loss of hair, appetite changes, nausea,
vomiting, and extreme weakness. There is
also depression.
No amount of makeup could cover up what I felt
inside during those months. It was a
cold, dark place.
I endured 16 rounds of
chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments.
By the end of those months I was simply depleted. When I looked in the
mirror I saw a woman with no eyebrows, lashes, and no hair on her head. My nails were chipped and blackened from the
neuropathy, and they hurt badly. My entire
body was in constant pain.
“To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for
ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of
the LORD, that He might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3)
The LORD always comforted me
during those times. He was my
strength. He was my shoulder to cry
on. At my worst, He gave me His best. I felt the presence of Jesus Christ
throughout it all. I never could have
made it without Him.
Jesus took all the old and
raggedy parts of my life and gave me His beauty. He always reminded me that I was loved, and
that no amount of pain and suffering that I was enduring could ever squash that
love. On those dark days He always sent
light (from the many prayers of the saints, a loving husband who stood right by
my side, my kids who cooked for me, and my brothers and sisters who were my
biggest support).
I don’t know what you may be
facing today in your life, but Jesus is right there comforting you. This may be something you have never faced
before, but it is not too big for the LORD.
Nothing Is Ever Too Big For The
LORD! Put your faith and trust in
Him. Praise Him through your storm. He won’t let you sink, no matter how rough
the waves. He did it for me! He will do it for you!
