TESTimony

“It’s not a testimony without a test.” I believe her. She is experiencing her greatest test to date, a diagnosis of Plasma Cell Leukemia and its chemotherapy treatment.

So, what did we talk about Monday during our visit? Well, we started out with how she got her appetite back after two friends from our church visited her. They told her she needed to eat to get her strength built up, but she just didn’t have any appetite. The three prayed about it, the two discussed and prayed on their way home. The next day she told her mother she was soooo hungry, and has been since. Still, nothing taste ‘normal’, everything has a metallic taste. But she’s now hungry and being filled.

I told her about our recent experience of having a cat in heat – and we all laughed together. It’s a good thing she didn’t have stitches.

We discussed the impact of her being away from home. Their three older children are visiting her brother right now. Her husband has the baby, and friends from church provide the help he needs during the day.

She has requested visitors not discuss other people’s cases, nor timelines based on previous patients. The cancer is rare. Doctors are still learning. We will learn, too, as time goes on.

So, how does she remain hopeful? How can she laugh at our stories and look forward to when she’s home with her children?

She lives her religion. She believes the Bible. She believes God loves her, and that He knows how much time she has. The Bible tells us so.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

He knows us, just as He knew Jeremiah:

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV)

He knows our name.

And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. (Exodus 33:17 KJV)

Christ tells us:

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Matthew 10:30 KJV)

We pray for her healing.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6 KJV)

We include, as Christ did

O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26:42 KJV)

And, we believe:

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

Her heart, and ours.