When There Are No Words

When There Are No Words

Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. Luke 1:64

“After having two kids, my tubes were tied twenty years ago,” Martha said. “I’m too old to be pregnant, but that’s exactly how I feel.”

Martha was right. At fifty-eight, she was too old to be pregnant again. The oldest new mom I’d ever diagnosed was forty-four, and even that was a surprise.

“I think my belly has been growing since last fall. I remember feeling pressure, but the size increase was so gradual that I didn’t realize how big I’d gotten—until the kids mentioned it.”

When Martha removed her outer clothing, I could see why she thought pregnancy was a possibility. But my training and years of experience told me there was a different story. When I laid my hands on her abdomen and felt the mass in her belly, I knew what it was. For a woman her age with a tumor that size that had grown that quickly, it was usually ovarian cancer.

“Martha, you’re not pregnant, but we’re going to have to admit you to the hospital for some tests.”

The next morning, after receiving word that the CT scan and blood tests pointed toward cancer, I quietly approached Martha on my rounds. When I took a deep breath and hesitated before speaking, she knew it wasn’t a good sign.

“Why are you speechless?”

“It doesn’t look good, Martha. I’ve consulted with a gynecological oncologist to help us figure this out. Based on the tests, he thinks it’s cancer, but I’m praying that those preliminary tests are wrong.”

After discussing her treatment options, Martha and I prayed together for a miracle.

The day after Martha’s surgery, the oncologist caught me on rounds. “The pathology came back clean. I really don’t understand why. Perhaps this is a benign cyst pretending to be cancer. It was a very large mass, but it all came out okay, and she shouldn’t have any problems.”

When I delivered the good news to Martha, once again I was speechless. But when I finally got the words out, neither one of us could contain our joy. We simply praised God for all he had done.

TODAY’S RX

Does trying to explain what God has done in your life leave you speechless? Words aren’t necessary. You can still praise God in your heart.

Jesus, I’m often speechless when I think of your great love for me. You are the ultimate physician, having healed me of my physical needs and the sin in my heart. Thank you for continuing to work miracles in the lives of your people to this day.