Good Evening,
I’m starting this first official entry with what I know for myself. Here it goes….
When I was first diagnosed with this uncertain disease, my first thought was that I truly had to rely on God to get me through. Doctors could give me medication, but they really had no answers that guaranteed a favorable outcome. Doctors give you information based on the outcomes of treatment for what is the majority or minority of outcomes of people with the same disease. Understanding this I purposed in my heart and my mind that I would rely on God first, rather than make the treatment my sole source of overcoming this disease.
Listed below is what my next steps were to keep me encouraged, faithful to God’s Word, and His purpose for my life. No, I did not understand why this disease chose me, but I knew that it was not of God.
Running to God in uncertain or trying times is the best place for me and I pray it is for you as well. When I was first diagnosed in 2019, when the doctor told me “You have stage 3 ovarian cancer” I felt my emotions (my flesh) rising in me, I wanted to scream in despair. Instead, I took a deep breath and said, “well it’s time for cancer to meet my God.” It is my belief that God the creator of all things is greater than anything or anyone. He in fact is much, much bigger.
This is the my list of what I did when I first found out:
1. The first thing I believe anyone should do in these situations is to find your anchor. An anchor is defined as:
“a person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation” (Oxford Dictionary).
In Hebrews 6:19 , the word is used metaphorically for that which supports or keeps one steadfast in the time of trial or of doubt. It is an emblem of hope. (Easton Bible Dictionary).
Hebrews 6:18-19
18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (English Standard Bible, 2012).
2. Find one or two scriptures that speak about healing, strength, perseverance, the ones that speak to your heart and give you peace. Pray them, read them, meditate on them, and memorize them. Purpose yourself to stand on those promises of God. My scriptures were:
Isaiah 53:5 “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” I made the scripture personal by changing “our” to “my” and “we to “I”
Matthew 14:22-31 (These scriptures tell the story of Peter walking on water; you really should read them). I love this story, it denotes that we go through storms but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will bring us through. I read this often, it brought me comfort to know that although I was in a storm Jesus was with me, I would know if I kept my eyes, my mind, and my heart on Him this storm would not overtake me.
3. When the oncology staff gives you the information on how to eat, drink, sleep, supplements, etc. follow them. Also take some time to research what can help strengthen you through food etc. The lists they give you are not necessarily complete. Each cancer and other diseases are different for each person. What works for one may not work for you. But there are natural remedies that help. Mine was ginger tea, I never had nausea and vomiting but I drank the tea on the regular.
I did not follow a strict eating plan; I focused on eating balanced meals and kept sweets to a minimum. Overall, I ate well. When I say minimum, yes, I ate them, but I didn’t purchase them. It was cake at the birthday party, etc. Chips are my bad habit. Do the research before you start treatment if possible. There is tons of information online and online cancer support groups.
4. Surround yourself with people who are positive, they help you stay positive. Their positivity will encourage you. “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22) Sometimes you have to remove the stress and strain of others to help yourself.
I pray this information will encourage others and inspire them to know and understand that no matter the situation we do not have to go through it alone. You are always with us you will never leave us nor forsake us. Father, you strengthen us when we look to you in our weakness and your Word strengthens our minds and our souls. Let us learn to leave behind those things that hinder our relationship with you and know that with you we have the victory.
In Jesus Name Amen
Drop your anchor, so you won't be tossed around during the storm. "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,"
Much love,
Cheryl P
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