James
1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials
of many kinds…”
During
the early part of this past November my wife Terry was informed she has uterine
cancer. Ten days before this she had a biopsy taken. I had convinced myself the
news wasn’t going to be as serious. The doctor at our follow up visit ended
that hope.
I
cannot say I responded to the news about Terry’s cancer with joy. I sensed
nothing joyful at the time. Even writing this post I recall the initial sadness
I experienced. All I could think at the time was, “This is real, and Terry has
cancer.” Time froze for a second or two.
Like Terry, in a physical sense I am defenseless
against cancer. I cannot protect her from the ailments common to the human
race. I wish I could. I am, however, able to choose how I respond to this trial
of. For one thing, I can assure Terry she is not alone in this experience. I
will walk with her every step of the way. If needed, I will carry her. Cancer
cannot beat us.
By faith I recognize trials give evidence that even
in this experience my wife is going through we can rejoice together. This is
not saying that we think cancer is good or that I am happy my wife has cancer.
I can say we can be joyful, for God knows all about it. This trial has not
taken God by surprise. He has given us assurance of his love and comfort in a
very real way.
This assurance has been shown to us through the
love and care we have received from other people. Our children and especially
our daughter have been supportive. Our daughter and son-in-law treated us to an
evening out with them recently. They wanted us to have some time to unwind from
hearing the news about Terry’s cancer.
God’s assurance we are not alone is also evident
through the practical and prayerful support of our church family. Terry and I
began attending Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in Langley, BC, six
months ago. We love this church. No sooner had I asked for the church to pray
for Terry that they immediately showed us how loving God’s people can be. They
are going to help us out with meals during Terry’s recover period. Someone has
offered to help us out financially due to the expense of parking on a hospital
parking lot. We are humbled at how real the love of God is through His people.
I must include my thanks to many InScribe members
who are praying for Terry and I. People are praying all over the world for
God’s comfort to be on us. We sense that comfort comes from the heart of God.
At the time of writing this post Christmas will
soon be here. Terry is in good spirits and in no pain. We are both somewhat
anxious to have her surgery and recovery period over with. We are confident
beyond doubt that God has not left us alone.
If any of my wonderful readers are experiencing a
“trial,” please know I am here for you. If any of my amazing and loved InScribe
friends are experiencing distress please let me know. I will not have you to be
alone in this.
Writing this post has been emotional and cathartic
for me as I process this trial. I conclude by encouraging my readers to count trials
as joy, my dear friends. We are not in this life alone!
Blog: ScarredJoy@wordpress.com
