So I continue my post about the importance of supports. In my last post, I talked about the importance of community and people not facing challenges alone.
I mentioned in my post that the first person I told about my challenge was my Pastor. To me that was the most important thing to do. Why? I was facing a very scary situation fraught with uncertainty about my future and a very stark reminder about my mortality. When we are well and in good health, we seldom think of our mortality and what it means. Most of us live in the present and do not think about death or dying until we are reminded of it by some event that brings it to the fore.
I needed to be reminded that I was going to be alright because I had Christ. A big part of having faith is having confidence that you have what you do not actually see. You may be sick, but you see yourself as being well for example. My Pastor and I worked on getting my mind and heart to understand that in spite of my diagnosis, I was going to be ok because the Word of God says that by Christ’s stripes we are healed. Once I believed this word from God, I understood that what I was looking to see was the manifestation of my healing. I had to see it and believe it to make it happen physically.
So how do you believe you are healed and healthy when your body is telling you otherwise? I believed that I was going to get the best health care providers, medical resources and treatment. I actually did get all these things. My health care providers were very concerned, compassionate and thorough with their dealings with me. This speeded up my recovery considerably.
For my readers who may not be Christians, I encourage you to have hope. It is a powerful thing. It can propel you from seemingly dire situations to outcomes that seemed impossible. I have always been fascinated by the story of the scientist Stephen Hawking. He was diagnosed with Lou Gherig’s disease at the age of 21 and given 2 years to live by his doctors. He is still alive today and over 70 years old. He just refused to give up and found ways for his disability to be accommodated and to function with some independence. Not only did he live, he is a highly decorated scientist, author, husband and father. He is a great example of how hope and the will to live can transcend and overcome our challenges. As a Christian, I have a firm belief that I will not die unless it is God’s will and my time has come.
Lessons Learnt
It is important to have faith and keep positive no matter what your diagnosis and the prognosis you are given. Find strength in your faith. Surround yourself with people who will nurture your faith and help keep you positive. Stay away from people who are negative, morbid and discouraging. Stay away from people who will make you want to give up. It is never over until God says so and your time has come.
Scriptures
James 5: 14 -15
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (KJV)
Keep the faith! It isn’t over until God says so!