The Battle Against Cancer

The Battle Against Cancer

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“Ruthie, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you,” I said to one of my longtime patients.

“I know. I haven’t been in for my regular checkups because I just didn’t have the money for the appointment or all the tests.”

“What brings you in today?” I asked.

“I just qualified for Medicare.”

“So how are you feeling?”

“Well . . .” she began, and I sensed some anxiety in her voice. “I lost some weight, and I don’t know how, but my tummy is bigger than ever.”

A quick look revealed she had temple wasting—a concave depression near her temples—making her forehead seem larger than normal. That can be a sign of rapid weight loss or malnutrition.

“Hold out your arms,” I said. They seemed slighter than what I remembered. I said a silent prayer as I deduced what had caused her weight loss.

Next I examined her abdomen, and I was alarmed by what I felt. “I’m going to need to order a few tests,” I said.

Ruthie commented again about how glad she was to have Medicare.

A week later, I had the results of her CT scan and lab work. Her CA125 test was positive for ovarian cancer.

Ruthie came into my office ready to receive the bad news. “You know, you helped me through my mom’s death a number of years ago. And then again when my husband went to be with the Lord,” She was a strong woman of faith, and she would need to rely on God for the road ahead. “I know this will be a battle, but with the Lord, we will fight it.”

When I read today’s verse, I’m reminded of Ruthie’s resolve to fight. Though we did everything we could for her medically, she knew that God’s mighty weapons would help her the most.

TODAY’S RX

Arm yourself with the strength of God, and he will knock down the strongholds in your life.

As you say in your Word, Father, help me to put on the peace of the Good News and the salvation I have received as armor against the battles I face. Protect me along the way, and help me to stand firm.