Today’s
Glory Story comes from Madelyn who has just been given an overwhelming cancer
diagnosis but the gift of a great sense of God's purpose. She is embracing what lies ahead in a way that is refreshing and profoundly
inspiring to me. Many times over the years, I’ve wondered how I would respond
if a doctor gave me such news. Have you wondered the same? Since both of my
parents are survivors of aggressive forms of cancer, the possibility of
receiving that kind of report seems too real sometimes but, thankfully, so does the
hope of leading a thriving life after God’s merciful miracles of healing and
protection.
Madelyn’s
story reminds us that we need not—must not—be afraid of adversity. Hope rises
out of adversity because we live on God’s sure promises and can always anticipate
the surprises of His love.
I’m 63 years old and have been married
for 42 years. Mike and I have one stepson, two sons, two daughters-in-law and
three granddaughters. I have been physically active most of my life playing
tennis, quilting, roller blading, riding bike, etc.
On December
18, 2013, my husband took me to urgent care. I’d had three days of high fever,
chest pain, and coughing with what we thought was the flu. When the nurses took
my blood pressure it was 89/54 so the doctor insisted I go to an emergency room
by ambulance. I was immediately given IV fluids, an array of tests and then, despite
my resistance, a CT scan.
The ER doctor
explained that I had a large mass growing on my tailbone and he suspected cancer.
I was given an MRI and more blood draws to confirm this. Hospital staff said
that I must have had angels bring me to the hospital, as most tests would never
have shown this tumor. My pain was in my chest and not in the lower areas of my
body. The ER doctor just felt “led” to request the CT scan of the pelvis! (Of
course we know it was the Holy Spirit guiding him.)
I was given
the oncologist’s contact information and told to call in the morning. We met
within a few days and a biopsy confirmed plasmacytoma. Then I had a bone marrow
biopsy that confirmed multiple myeloma as well. Mike and I have been in shock because
the oncologist said this has been growing in me for a couple of years. I’ve had
very little pain and thought my lower back pain was from too much tennis!
I’m sharing
the details about how I came to find this out because both Mike and I realized
it wasn’t us making the decisions and
guiding the doctors—it was God! We’ve had tears, disbelief, and lots of
questions. We are gaining wisdom about cancer and medical issues that neither
one of us ever wanted to learn. But because I know that God is in this life with
us, and as I see how He has directed and orchestrated what we couldn’t have
thought to do, then I know God is in
the rest of this battle called cancer too.
Madelyn has already started radiation and
chemotherapy. And God is already breathing life into her testimony. Consider this
excerpt from a letter she shared with family and friends just a couple of days
ago:
I had asked the Lord to provide hands that need
holding and for me to give comfort to others as I began this journey. Today I
recognized a man from Trilogy in the chair across the room from me. I went over
to him…he and his wife used to live right behind our house in Trilogy. He has
lung cancer in both lungs. He said that if this series of chemo doesn't work,
they've given him several months to live. Please add this couple (I used to
play tennis with the wife) to your prayers.
I got to hold both of their hands and tell them
that the Lord is with them and will provide them with healing and hope however
that should happen. They said they believed that too. Their daughter also has
cancer!
I see how God has provided for me this
opportunity to serve Him, praise Him, and be a witness even when life seems to
have handed me a "rough road to walk.” ...Isn't God
faithful!?!
The verses that I am reading and praying are
from Philippians 4:4-9.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I'm looking
ahead and not behind me for today's tests are tomorrow's testimonies.
Madelyn
told me yesterday, “I’m actually
excited to see the opportunities that lie ahead of us in all this! I feel a new
boldness yet gentleness about who God is and how I am His dearly loved child! I
am looking to Jesus Christ who is the author and perfecter of our faith.”
One of
Madelyn’s family members who has struggled with addiction is encountering God
too. She shared her excitement with me saying, “It is
absolutely God who is at work in the lives and hearts of the people all around
me through getting this cancer! So many things are happening that I can hardly take it
all in! Praise and honor to God who provided the way of salvation in Christ
Jesus!”
WOW.
This wife, mother and grandmother is being called out to unknown waters but she knows Whose child she is
and her encouragement comes from knowing God is already doing marvelous things
with her story. Though her experiences are fresh and raw right now, her heart
is fully yielded to God’s ways and purposes. She and her family will need our
prayers.
HEAVENLY FATHER, thank you for
showing us how intimately powerful You are in the details of our lives. Thank
you for showing us Your mighty hand in Madelyn’s proper diagnosis. Please use her
experience to soften and strengthen many in relationship toward You. According
to your will, we ask for a miracle of complete healing in Jesus’ name! Put the
spotlight on Your power and compassion so that doubters are reassured and
skeptics can’t help but turn toward You. Thank you for being Madelyn’s
strength, comfort, guide and shield. Let her not be shaken, Lord, and equip he
for every good work according to the riches she has in Christ. Give her family
peace and joy as they walk through this together. Surround them with supporters
who will stand with them as practical and prayerful helpmates. We rest in Your
faithfulness, Oh Lord! AMEN
