CANCER

The big C word entered our family this week.  It's not been in our midst in my lifetime.  We have not prayed for, sat beside, driven to treatments, held hands, or made knit hats to cover bald heads for anyone in the Braner family thus far.  I've often wondered thankfully why we have been spared when we have watched so many friends endure that frightening experience.

 After a routine test it was discovered in the body of Honeybuns brother and the news has sent a shock wave through the ranks.  That word shouts STOP and THINK and RE-EVALUATE everything. Now, we don't know the stage of his disease, we don't know the prognosis, or the treatment plan just yet.  The possibility of surgery is being discussed soon. All are hopeful, praying and supporting, while waiting for more news. We are reminding each other of the many that have experienced this same diagnosis, received treatment for a while and are doing just fine today. There is no doubt that the whole family will help out in any and every way possible as he proceeds through appointments, consultations and treatments. Difficult days bring out the best in this family!

Meanwhile life as we know it has come to a screeching halt, and thoughts are racing through our minds.    It's a good thing to be forced to stop and take stock of what is really important, isn't it?
Suddenly bills,  petty conflicts, politics, diets, and the mundane tasks of every day life are put in their proper place.  It's time for "don't sweat the small stuff." And it's time to realize that ALL of us have but a few years on this earth but a LONG, LONG time in eternity. We will ALL face that  day sooner or later.  Where we spend THAT time is far more important than where we spend THIS earthly time.

This  time of reflection brings out questions for God , too.  Why cancer, why now, why him, why at all? 

And there are no answers to those questions. 

BUT, there is great comfort in knowing the character of God.

I know that God is good, all the time, that disease is part of this world we live in and HE has a plan that we do not understand and cannot see.  When CANCER surprises us and turns our world upside down, HE is not surprised.  HE is still the sure foundation even when ours is crumbling. HE has never promised us a life of perfect health, wealth and happiness but HAS promised HIS presence, grace and strength through it all, if we choose to trust HIM.  In times like these, faith in God becomes reality OR faith is ditched.  Do we only love Him when things are going smoothly?

We are praying confidently for complete, total, pain free healing.  And God can grant health if He so chooses.  BUT, if  HE has another plan, we will continue to trust HIM and look for the good that HE will bring out of it..  He makes no mistakes, His plan is perfect and when we get to the other side we'll understand it. He alone is the Almighty Sovereign One when He answers YES, but also when He answers NO.  Regardless of HIS answer, NOTHING can separate us from the love of Christ.

Not even CANCER!