Rescued From Famine

Rescued From Famine

The LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. Psalm 33:18-19

Caroline came into my office for a follow-up visit, but her cough hadn’t gotten any better.

“You look like you’ve lost weight,” I said.

“With the fever, I haven’t been hungry,” she said.

“You know the saying, ‘Feed a cold, starve a fever’?” I said. “That’s wrong. It should be ‘Feed a cold, feed a fever.’”

“Okay, I’ll try to eat more,” she said.

“Did you take what I prescribed for the bronchitis?” I asked.

“Every day, just like you said.”

A fever can help our bodies beat an infection, but after several courses of antibiotics, Caroline’s fever was past that point.

“I’m going to order a chest X-ray. Your cough should be better by now.”

When the results came back, I noticed a spot in the region of the chest cavity that contains all the chest organs except the lungs. Further testing confirmed our worst fear: Caroline had lung cancer. Unfortunately, it was located in a spot that surgery couldn’t get to. Her only hope was chemotherapy. With her already depressed immune system, I knew it would be a difficult journey—and the chemo beat her up pretty badly. She lost even more weight, and her once-beautiful hair fell out.

Three months after the chemo ended, Caroline arrived for a follow-up visit, sporting a baseball cap. Tests showed that the tumor had shrunk by 70 percent, but it was now at a standstill, and there was nothing more we could do. Caroline and I agreed that we would continue to pray for remission.

Then I noticed something else in her chart. “Have you gained five pounds?” I said. No one gains weight while on chemo.

Caroline grinned. “Yes, Dr. Anderson. I figured if eating could help me beat a cold, it might also help me beat this cancer!”

Caroline experienced a famine on a personal level, and yet God had kept her alive. Her story is a reminder to me of how God’s ancient promises are still applicable today.

TODAY’S RX

Keep eating and drinking when you’re sick. Proper nutrition and hydration help your body fight disease.

God, rescue me from all that plagues my mind and body. Nourish me with your promises, and strengthen my spirit with your Word.