Living Day-by-Day

In the days ahead, it's the 11th anniversary from my diagnosis of ovarian cancer.  I'm amazed, and very grateful, that I'm still alive!  My oncologist says that most of her patients are gone in 6 months to 2 years.  She says that my optimism, my faith, and my pro-active involvement in my care are the key things that have helped me.  I don't disagree, but I tell her it's definitely an answer to prayer that I'm still alive.  She does call me a "miracle."  :)

I was scrolling through the photos on my phone.  It hit me how many of our friends and family have gone to be with Jesus in recent years - a lot of them!  There were some who came to visit Floyd when he was sick and even spoke at the memorial services for him, and now they've joined him in heaven.

It reminds me afresh that our times are in God's hands.  There have been a few times when I've been worried about the cancer I have.....worried for the future, for our family, etc.  Every time that happens, the Lord reminds me to keep my eyes on Him - not on my cancer.  He exhorts me to live day-by-day and not project into the future.  He brings to my mind ways that He has helped me all my life, and especially during these 11 years......and tells me He is faithful to keep helping me.  I definitely trust in His faithfulness.

Without a miracle, I'll never be cured of my cancer.  I've had 8 surgeries and 4 courses of chemo.  The tumor is currently inoperable because of it's location and attachment to vital organs.  But the Lord has helped me in "living with cancer."  It's been challenging at times, but He has helped me along the way.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' " Lamentations 3:22-24

"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and...that He may have mercy on you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him."  Isaiah 30:18

I "wait" for all the Lord has for me - hour by hour, day by day, month by month.  I know He is good, trustworthy, and faithful.  I'm in good hands.  And my heart is at peace.