Have you ever had a phone call that rocks your world? It can range from bad news from the doctor to the elimination of your job to the loss of someone you love.
I had one of those calls recently when my husband, Paul, called from work to tell me he had swollen lymph nodes in his neck. Since he’d had melanoma about 8-9 years ago, fear slammed into me, all those “what if” fears.
What if his cancer had returned? What if he had to have chemo and surgery and can’t work? What if I lose this man I love more than life itself? And then that precious promise—my tried-and-proven verse from Psalm 56:3—popped into my head: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
The last few weeks have included multiple doctor visits. I breathed a tiny breath of relief when Paul’s bloodwork came back okay and when the doctor thought it was just an immune system response—but then when the swelling appeared larger, she sent Paul for an ultrasound. It showed enlarged lymph nodes, but no blood flow to the area, which was good.
His doctor prescribed a medicine for infected lymph nodes. It didn’t help, so she sent Paul for a CT scan—which led to an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor. They’ve found no signs of cancer so far, and we are grateful. We still have one more hurdle to pass in a month when they do a follow-up ultrasound.
The past few weeks have been a roller-coaster of emotions, with dizzying ups and downs. But I’ve learned some things that I want to share with you in case you’re going through one of those scary times.
1) God’s bigger than our fears.
Did you know He’s given us 365 do-not-fear verses? That’s one for every day of the year! I’m so thankful for a God who is bigger than all our fears.
2) We can count on Him for Comfort.
We’ll feel His presence in a special way during these times. Often, when things are going well in our lives, our focus is elsewhere, but when difficult days arrive, it’s so precious to feel His arms of love around us.
3) He’ll provide what we need.
God gives us what we need–physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Then we, too, can be a comfort to others as we tell them, “God was faithful to me, and He will be faithful for you.”
4) He’s in control.
Of every situation. Every detail. Every outcome. Even when it feels like life is spinning out of control.
5) He’s only a prayer away.
What a precious gift that we can take all our concerns to the God who loves us so much that He gave His Son’s life for us.
I’m so thankful for a God who is “enough” for all that we face. How about you?
