December 09
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
–Galatians 2:20
When I think about that verse and living by faith, I realize that having faith is sometimes very difficult. Having faith is especially difficult if you are a very organized and methodical person, such as myself.
After accepting Jesus into my life at a young age and being baptized as a teenager, I have always had a close relationship with God. I've always felt that I had a lot of faith, until I was tested about seven years ago. We had gone on vacation to Florida and noticed that my husband’s neck seemed to be swollen on one side. After arriving home a few days later, he went through a series of tests and scans, only to be diagnosed with Lymphoma. It sent our planned-out and organized lives in a whirlwind. That was the first time my faith was truly tested. Is God still good? Does God love our family? Why are we having to go through this?
Later in 2015, after six rounds of chemo and several weeks of radiation, we were pleased to hear that his last PET scan was clear! His scans continued to remain clear for a little less than two years. Right around the two-year mark, he had another scan. If you have never been through anything like this before, I can promise you that waiting for your results can sometimes be the worst part. After waiting for about 30 minutes, the doctor came in this time and said that there was a spot that had returned in his stomach, and he would need a biopsy done.
Once again my faith was being tested... we had prayed consistently that this scan would also be clear, only to find out that something had returned. A few days before his biopsy, I remember trying to keep myself composed, since I had a 2-year-old to take care of, but I felt so discouraged inside. I was working outside in my yard, and I remember breaking down in tears, asking God again, “Why us?’ Then I heard a small, quiet voice in my head that said, “Trust Me,” and immediately, I began having peace.
–Galatians 2:20
When I think about that verse and living by faith, I realize that having faith is sometimes very difficult. Having faith is especially difficult if you are a very organized and methodical person, such as myself.
After accepting Jesus into my life at a young age and being baptized as a teenager, I have always had a close relationship with God. I've always felt that I had a lot of faith, until I was tested about seven years ago. We had gone on vacation to Florida and noticed that my husband’s neck seemed to be swollen on one side. After arriving home a few days later, he went through a series of tests and scans, only to be diagnosed with Lymphoma. It sent our planned-out and organized lives in a whirlwind. That was the first time my faith was truly tested. Is God still good? Does God love our family? Why are we having to go through this?
Later in 2015, after six rounds of chemo and several weeks of radiation, we were pleased to hear that his last PET scan was clear! His scans continued to remain clear for a little less than two years. Right around the two-year mark, he had another scan. If you have never been through anything like this before, I can promise you that waiting for your results can sometimes be the worst part. After waiting for about 30 minutes, the doctor came in this time and said that there was a spot that had returned in his stomach, and he would need a biopsy done.
Once again my faith was being tested... we had prayed consistently that this scan would also be clear, only to find out that something had returned. A few days before his biopsy, I remember trying to keep myself composed, since I had a 2-year-old to take care of, but I felt so discouraged inside. I was working outside in my yard, and I remember breaking down in tears, asking God again, “Why us?’ Then I heard a small, quiet voice in my head that said, “Trust Me,” and immediately, I began having peace.
Can I trust God to take care of us and not have to try to be in control of this situation?
I thought to myself, “Can I do this? Can I trust God to take care of us and not have to try to be in control of this situation?” To fully trust God requires a lot of faith and patience. Faith is belief and complete trust in God, who we physically cannot see.
To continue with my story, in 2018, my husband was diagnosed with a slow-growing lymphoma that needs to be monitored periodically and only treated if needed. We have to stand firm and believe Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
What are you dealing with currently? Does your situation seem hopeless? Do you feel helpless? During this Advent season, give your cares to the Lord who loves you! Have faith that He can heal you, help you and give you peace!
To continue with my story, in 2018, my husband was diagnosed with a slow-growing lymphoma that needs to be monitored periodically and only treated if needed. We have to stand firm and believe Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
What are you dealing with currently? Does your situation seem hopeless? Do you feel helpless? During this Advent season, give your cares to the Lord who loves you! Have faith that He can heal you, help you and give you peace!
Faith // Living by Faith | Katie Lemley
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