Day Fifteen

Have you ever thought of all the bad things that could happen to you or your loved ones in life, and feel that you would be at complete peace amidst the situation knowing that God loves us all so much and is in full control no matter what? I didn’t know what my future held, but my faith was about to be tested... Prior to my life-altering news, I remember conversations I had over the years with friends and family who were fearful of the unknown and what could happen to them or their loved ones. I expressed to them how I had such peace when I reflected on what could happen to me or those that I loved whatever the circumstance might be. 

In the 12th year of marriage to my incredible husband, Ben, along with our two children, Kaitlyn (4) and Daniel (2), we received news that would change our lives forever. On August 21, 2009, a day before my 32nd birthday, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

I found a lump under my left arm and had it checked out.  They did an ultrasound, blood work, biopsies, PET scan, and two bone marrow biopsies and determined that it was Stage 4 after finding cancer in my bone marrow. From the time that I received the diagnosis from the Doctor, I had complete peace that passes all understanding. I felt the same amount of joy at that very moment as I had before I ever received the diagnosis. I knew that it was only because of Christ, and not that of myself.

Not once did I pray for God's healing in my journey with cancer, but for His will do be done. I wanted as many people and unsaved friends to see Christ and be able to know Him personally. I knew that God was in control whether He wanted me to live or die, and what would bring Him more glory.

He has a huge purpose for each of our lives, and we don't know his ways that He will use us.   

,

After eight rounds of chemotherapy and two years of maintenance chemo I was told that I was in 

remission. Thanks to the Lord, I am living today to share my story with others, and to give God the glory. I am so thankful for all that He has done in my life.

A year and a half before my cancer diagnosis, Ben and I had talked about having one more child, and Ben always said we would have a little girl, and we picked out the name Sophia Grace. We didn't know if we would be able to have another child because of the chemo that I had undergone, but Ben and I prayed about it and decided we would like another child if God saw fit. On August 21, 2014, exactly five years to the date that I received my cancer diagnosis, Ben and I welcomed Sophia Grace into our lives. She has been our miracle baby, and we thank the Lord for allowing us to be her parents. My oncology nurses could not believe that I was able to have a baby after the chemo that they had administered to me during those treatments. 

I know that nothing is impossible with God.   

My goal is to continue to give God the praise and glory throughout my life until the day I meet Him. 

This journey that we walked made me a stronger person, and it made my walk with the Lord closer to Him than ever before. It also has given me more opportunities to shine for him. For any of you who might be in the midst of these kinds of situations now, here are some truths from God’s word that blessed me during that time in my life.

Isaiah 43:1-3 He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel, fear not for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name, you are mine.  When you walk through the waters I will be with you, when you pass through the mighty rivers they will not sweep over you, when you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flames burn you, for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 

Jeremiah 17:7-9 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose confidence is in Him.  He will be like a tree planted by the waters, that sends out it roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes, but its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to produce fruit.   

Supernatural Story by Amy Beachy