When the going gets tough!
Do you ever have problems? Are things ever difficult? What if the problems just keep coming?
When the going gets tough, to what or whom do you turn? How do you cope? What helps you get by?
As many of you will know I was diagnosed with cancer (follicular lymphoma) back towards the end of 2017. In early 2018 I underwent a course of chemotherapy (R CHOP). The cancer seemed to react pretty well to this, so I was put on a maintenance regime for up to 2 years with 8 weekly checks.
In June I had a CT scan which showed a very small anomaly, so was sent for a further CT 3 months later. This showed that my main tumour had grown from 2cm to 3.5cm. So a month later I was sent for a PET CT to see how active the tumour was. The results showed it to be highly active. This was back in November.
Since then I’ve had a biopsy on my lung, which only yielded a dead sample, so have been referred to the BRI for a biopsy on the main tumour. This was delayed from 10th January to the 24th.
This is not the only issue I and the family have faced in the time.
– other family members have had significant health issues.
– we have elderly relatives, who have been quite unwell at times.
– we’ve tried to help out others going through tough times.
So how have I coped? What has kept me going? Where have a drawn strength from. Obviously family and friends have been a massive help and support, especially those at the church. But the one I’ve found to be the most firm foundation and support is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has given me peace in the uncertainty. Joy in the waiting. Strength, so I’ve felt better in the last 10 days than for a very long time. When I’ve turned to Him in the ups and downs He’s always been there.
God’s word says…
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2
Whatever happens, God is God. He is in control. We can trust Him. He loves us.
It also says…
O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
Have you never heard? Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:27-31
Knowing Him in the trials transforms them from times of hardship and heartache, to times to experience His presence even close, and from sorrow to rejoicing.
Why don’t you come along to Eastington Methodist and find out more, or give me a call on 07511197265
Rebecca Burgin
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