God’s Odds

God’s Odds

This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5

At forty-three, Mark had every reason to live and yet one reason that might prevent him from doing so.

Mark’s daughter was getting married in six months. She had planned her wedding for the following year but moved up the date when Mark was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Fortunately, the cancer had not spread, and the oncology surgeon felt that Mark might have a chance of surviving with something called the Whipple procedure—a major surgical operation involving several organs. If Mark hoped to be at his daughter’s wedding, this was his only option. Without it, the odds of surviving this type of cancer for more than a few months were close to zero.

As we talked about possible complications and outcomes, Mark asked me, “Will I be going through the motions just to get to the end of it all and still have cancer? Could I end up dying anyway before the wedding?”

With God, I believe there is always hope for healing, but I never want to give my patients false hope in medicine. So I gave Mark my honest assessment.

“Dr. Paulo is one of the best, and I trust his judgment in this area. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with your decision. But this journey isn’t going to be easy.”

At Mark’s six-week postsurgical checkup, he was twenty pounds lighter and beginning to eat without pain. “I wouldn’t suggest this as a diet plan,” he said, “but if it gets me to the church for my daughter’s wedding, I’m glad I went through with it.”

A few weeks ago, Mark was back in my office for his annual checkup, and he was unusually talkative. “When I went through my surgery, my family loved me even when I was at my worst. I’m beginning to understand God’s love for us because I saw it reflected in my family’s love for me during those dark days.”

“How long ago was the surgery?” I asked as I flipped through his chart.

“It’s been three years, and not only was I able to walk my daughter down the aisle, but last month I received another gift.”

Mark handed me a photo.

“My grandson!” he said, grinning.

TODAY’S RX

With God on your side, the outlook is always favorable.

Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence today. Help me to have a positive outlook on all I’m facing, and give me hope for my future.