Thanks, Jerry.

Over 5 yrs ago, my mother had surgery for cancer. The doctors wanted to do radiation as well, but at 78, my mother would have none of it. Without radiation she had a 50/50 chance of another five years. With it she had 65/35 chance, plus misery from the radiation. She said, “No thanks.” Thankfully, she is still with us and cancer free. She is a great optimist and a great encouragement to me.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

In light of various relatives and friends dying of cancer, I have thought long and hard about what I would do if I ever got it myself.

First I would trust the Lord that it was in His perfect will for me (whether chastisement to bring me back to Him, to draw me closer to Him, or even to do something in myself and my life that might not otherwise have happened without that experience and growth that would result as I cling to the Lord during that trial).

I want to make sure that I am not giving up and taking the easy way out (ie. getting depressed and choosing not to fight the cancer directly because of losing my will to live). However, I really have decided I would leave it in the Lord’s hand as to whether He chooses to heal me or not (apart from any kind of radiation treatment, etc.) – let Him work through me during that time, and let Him use my situation and witnessing/glorifying Him to make a difference in the lives of others.

I am not speaking from the perspective of someone who absolutely has no clue what it could be like to live with chronic pain and health problems, and therefore am just spouting words. For most of the last 11 years, I have dealt with chronic daily muscle (anywhere on my body) pain (some reprieve in the last 2 years, though more health problems and different kinds of pain resulting from that).

Personally, I much prefer the times I am forced to lean upon the Lord daily for strength than the days where I do not – I am prone to wander, and the daily pain is so often a check on my straying. Plus, if I had cancer, how much more could I do for the Lord in my walk with Him when I am not having to have worse health and being worn out because of some treatments. The peace, trust, and joy we can show to others in the midst of even trials like this is what will glorify the Lord, strengthen the brethren (through being a Christlike example), and bring the lost to Him (wow, the Lord is in control even in this, and I can trust Him with my soul and my eternity!).

Even In This

Even in this, the Lord is in control;
Even in this, He is guarding my soul;
When I cannot imagine how I can cope
Even in this, I have reason for hope.

Even in this, this trial that I dread;
Even in this, I can still bow my head;
Praise my loving Father for being near;
Even in this, I have no need for fear.

Even in this, I have Your peace of mind;
Even in this, You are tender and kind;
Your touch, Your gentleness has made me great;
Even in this, You see my low estate.

Even in this, a trial I didn’t plan;
Even in this, I see Your loving hand!
My heart has comfort that was sorely missed –
You fill my heart with joy – even in this.

Even in this.

October 6th/08
Jerry Bouey

Hi Marty, the older I get (approaching ancient), the more I feel less at home in this place.

I do think we should be pro-life in the sense that we don’t just dismiss medical intervention altogether, but at times we need to be discerning and trust the Lord for a happy homegoing. I recently observed just such a case and while the individual was not well in the last months of life, she was not unduly uncomfortable. Those around her essentially accepted the Lord’s will for her … and there really was nothing that could be done. If the Lord would have willed so, he could have healed her. We prayed for it, but also for the Lord’s will to be done. And it was. She is in glory and we are stuck here.

For now.

There is an update to the CT article that I want to add, but I am in a bit of a rush. Maybe later tonight.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Thanks for the good thoughts about very difficult events when they hit home. There is a daily devotion by Spurgeon that your article brings to mind. The text is “Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” He came out of it all saying that sometimes we pray at cross purposes with our Lord, since He desires to bring His children home. I think aggressive measures might be a similar thing, also working at cross purposes with our Lord.

Also, (I can say it now, since I don’t have any knowledge of myself being terminally ill), isn’t it really far better to depart and to be with Christ? What is there in this world that we really want to fight that hard to keep?

MC