Recently I read a post by Mike Pohlman whose 40-year-old wife is fighting stage-4 breast cancer. He writes his thoughts from the oncology waiting room, a place where cancer patients spend much time. And do much thinking.
I want to quote just one paragraph...
Mike writes this....
"If we have eyes to see and ears to hear, the cancer-clinic waiting room reminds us that our lives are a vapor; that our days are all numbered; that He gives us life and breath and all things, and, therefore, we are utterly dependent creatures; that sin is real and has a million tragic consequences; that pride is ridiculously ugly and meekness wonderfully beautiful; that we are called to rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping; that people are either saved or lost; that God’s grace is real, His Son all-sufficient, and through the cross, cancer will one day be no more."
You can read all of Mike's post here.
As for me? I have stage 3-C ovarian cancer, just one stage short of metastasization (invasion of other organs), and I've spent more hours than I care to count sitting in an oncology waiting room. I'm on my third chemo regimen, having had six months off the first time, and eleven months off the second time (using a maintenance drug during that time). Now I'm trying a third cocktail, carbo/gemzar (carboplatin and gemcitibine). I'm doing well, all things considered. No major side-effects on this regimen other than low blood counts and a bit of nausea the day after treatment...and a bit of arthritis aggravated by the drugs. But I'm well. I'm doing well.
It's been two and a half years since my diagnosis. I'm grateful for this time that God has given me and I hope he gives me many more years. But the truth of the matter is, my life is utterly and completely in God's hands. Just as Mike mentioned at his post, we are dependent upon God for all things...the air we breathe, the blessings we have in this life, and the promise of the life hereafter.
Mike Pohlman is senior pastor at Immanuel Bible Church in Bellingham, Washington. In addition to his post at Ligonier Ministries, his article also appeared in Tabletalk Magazine, a daily devotional publication by Ligonier that is a great resource for your daily walk.
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6 comments:
I've been blessed by my visit to your blog. Thank you for this reminder and I pray that the Lord will cement it to my heart! Bless you!
...and I can't think of anyplace I'd rather be than in God's loving hands. When life begins to overwhelm me I stop to remember this and praise Him.
Our times are truly in His hands. What a reminder to make the most of the time we are given.
I remember reading this article.
Whitestone, all I can say is I'm praying for you, and my heart aches for you. Where would we be without the hope we have in Christ?
After having spent many days with my cousin as she's preparing for a stem cell transplant, going with her each day to the cancer hospital, watching her down those amazing number of pills, etc. I'm even more humbled by the many mercies God gives all of us each and every day. Hugging you in my heart!
This post touches me, it is a great reminder of how our days are numbered, etc....Truly in God's hands. Thanks for sharing his paragraph and site.
Your strong faith is such an inspiration. Our lives are truly in God's hands! Sorry to hear you have to do more chemo. Saying a prayer for you now...
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