Sitting in the Easter service at Moody Church this morning was a gift. Nine weeks ago when I found out I had pancreatic cancer, I quickly had myself dead and buried. I honestly thought that by this time I might not be here. But there I was, sitting in dear Moody Church, drinking in the familiar, much loved surroundings, next to Bervin and our children, participating in the glories of victorious resurrection music and hearing an uplifting sermon about Christ’s triumph over death. The feeling was spectacular and extremely moving to say the least.
In the shower this morning, I found myself humming the chorus “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.” As I looked at the church bulletin, I noticed Pastor Lutzer’s sermon was titled “Because He lives, I Can Face Tomorrow.” Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Easter has been something quite different for me this year, and cancer is the reason. I asked the Lord to “enlighten the eyes of my heart,” and he did, allowing me to soak in the reality of what really happened through the cross and the resurrection and to more fully understand the hope we have because of it.
And here’s the bottom line: if I hadn’t put my trust in a risen Savior before I received that awful diagnosis, I would have jumped into a full-blown panic. Even now, having had the tumor removed and having been given a picture of medical optimism, I would have landed on the word “incurable”. That would have produced terror in my heart and made it impossible to feel any hope. Every tomorrow would have been difficult to face.
In this situation, what would a person without Christ put their hope in? The doctors? The surgery? Chemotherapy? None of those offer more than hope-full-of-holes. But hope in Christ is “hole-less, holy hope,” optimism grounded in the truth of eternal life in heaven. Live or die, that kind of hope can’t be diminished.
And it’s all because of Easter…and because he lives!
It brings tears to my eyes when I see God demonstrating what he meant when he said he would walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) I’ve been in that valley for 9 weeks now, and he has never left me. Even the most difficult days and tomorrows can be faced because I know he lives and goes with me. Would I have so thoroughly understood such a promise without this cancer?
And could I have ever pictured the volume of love and support that’s come my way without this disease also coming my way? My heart is filled with gratitude. Although I don’t look forward to a future with pancreatic cancer hanging over my head, I do look forward to learning more of how God works, who he is, and what he wants to teach me.
Because of what happened on that first Easter Sunday, I get to be part of God’s family and walk with Him both now and throughout eternity. Because He lives!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (I Peter 1:3)
My Prayer Requests:
- Christ the Lord is Risen Today…Hallelujah!
- Praise for wonderful family time during and after church
- Praise for so many faithful friends and prayer warriors
- Pray for courage and wisdom as we visit oncologists tomorrow
As I close out my Easter Sunday, at 1am Monday, I read your post, and saw the Sanctuary. Both have moved me, deeply, and I thank you for your message. I believe your new friends, in the medical field, will see Jesus Messiah in you, and will find Him as their Lord and Risen Savior. I am praying for ‘them’, now. Keep On Keeping On; much work yet to be done with those who work by your side. Love You!
We’re praying for you, sweet Mary! You are a wonderful example to us all!! Give your sister a hug for me.
What a beautiful thought, Mary, to look forward to learning more of how God works, who He is, and what He wants to teach us. Those words fill me with hope in any situation. Our confidence is in Him!
I am praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing these days with us.
Mary, Praying that you and Bervin will KNOW which oncologist/hospital God has for you. So happy for a beautiful Easter for you and your family ! what a beautiful gift of the weather from Him, as well !!
Amen. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” Thank you, Mary and Margaret, for the deep truths you are sharing with us.
Thank you for a beautiful message from a beautiful lady!!
God bless you, dear Mary
Thank you for your affirming message of hope as you walk with our Risen Lord.
Mary. My prayers are with you, Bervin and your family.
Walking with you in prayer.
Mary. My prayers are with you, Bervin and your family.
Walking with you in prayer.
Hi Mary! I am so inspired by the work of the Lord in and through you! This work of His gives me more and more hope and joy. Praise His Name for His nearness and comfort to you and most of all the Love that brought Him to the cross for us all. May the power of the Ressurection continue to shine in and through your life dear friend. I love you!
Because He lives I too can face tomorrow. Your testimony is an encouragement Mary. May God continue to give you the grace you need to make it through these difficult times.