I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in April 2005 with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ... that is NOT early stage cancer. However, I am here to encourage those of you praying for someone with cancer and/or facing cancer and cancer treatment.
When I was first diagnosed I thought I was going to die. I prayed to God in my fear and cried a great deal, and He heard me. Then I decided I needed to be informed. I went on the internet and what I found both encouraged me and discouraged me. I was discouraged by the fear and hopelessness so many feel because of this illness, but then I was encouraged by all the positive and empowered people, both Christian and non-christian who decided to face the disease with courage and information.
I decided to learn everything I could about my disease and I decided that, with the help of God, I was going to be as positive about the journey as possible. This was not always easy.
Many nights in the dark all alone the fears would crash in on me and I would cry out to Jesus ... and He was there! He would hold me and tell me that everything was going to be okay. I felt tremendous peace and joy knowing He was with me AND he was healing me. I also knew that 'healing' meant more than physical healing. It meant a spiritual healing as well as a psychological healing ... it was a long road, and in some ways the cancer treatments were easier to bear, but Jesus never left my side.
Today I can tell you that Cancer saved my life. I am closer to God. I'm more compassionate to people who are suffering. I want more than anything to pray for and minister to those who are going through what I went through.
... therefore, this is me praying.
Dearest Lord Jesus, Friend and Comforter, God who is a partner in our suffering. Please look upon those who are heavy with the fear and dread of this horrible disease. Dear Jesus, show to them the Love and Mercy that you showed me. Fill them with the Joy and Peace that can only be found in suffering. Embrace them and hold them close to your bosum and tell them with your gentle sweet voice that everything is going to be okay. Dear Heavenly Father, reach out your hand and heal them, Lord, heal them body, soul and spirit so they too can bear the testamony of your mercy. And Sweet Jesus, if you determine that it is best for them to come home with you, Lord, give them the joy and peace of knowing that entering Your Presence is more Life and Freedom than anything on this mortal earth. This I pray oh Lord, in Jesus Precious Name, Amen.
