Four Truths I Learned from a Scary Diagnosis

by Ashley on April 1, 2012

It makes me exceedingly sad when I hear of someone, especially Christians, lose hope, belief, trust when bad things happen. Usually something extreme – a death, a betrayal, a sickness.

Recently I was diagnosed with what will be a lifelong illness. At the same time, the doctor told me I might also have another, even more frightening disease.

But I never doubted God. Not for a second. He always follows through. And his promises are awesome.

Thanks to this experience, I now know as truth some things that I only suspected before.

1. I’m in a good place with God.

At the revelation of this possible diagnosis, my doctor said something profound that I hope he says to all his patients who receive bad news. “This doesn’t mean God is mad at you.” Even when I heard the scary possibility I faced, I never for even a moment thought God was mad at me. Or that it was his fault that it happened. Or doubted that he would see me through whatever life would bring as a result. I wasn’t always so trusting of him, so I know I’ve grown in my faith. I still have growing to do, and I can’t be satisfied because I’m in a good place in this walk, but it’s a vast improvement from where I used to be.

2. True friends will follow through when it really matters.

I never doubted God, but I did fear my husband would regret his promise to love me for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Though he’s never given me a reason to doubt his love, I was afraid because I know that as humans, we break our promises. I’m thankful my fear was needless, but I did doubt. But those who are truly worthy of your love and friendship are those who won’t abandon you in times of need, physical or emotional. The others aren’t worth your time even when all is well. As Marilyn Monroe is often quoted as saying, “If you don’t love me at my worst, you don’t deserve me at my best.”

3. Things will work together for my good.

Whether in this life or the next, God will work this situation out for me. He has worked out every situation in the past – when I’ve been hurt, when I’ve majorly screwed up. Some lessons are easy, some are painful. But I know he’ll work out every situation I face to make me a better person. Thinking about this always reminds me of my grandmother’s favorite Bible verse: Romans 8:28.

4. Other people can benefit from our trials

Lots of people become huge advocates for change and hope because of the situations they have faced. A friend of mine beat cancer and then suffered a relapse. She has not lost hope, and she spreads hope to others who are diagnosed. For me, if I can show even one other person that God is trustworthy, my troubles will work out for good.

I’ll leave you with a verse I’ve been relying on heavily lately: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Has God ever let you down?

 

4 comments

Ashley: I am so sorry to hear about your challenges. Your faith is a wonderful comfort for you.

I rarely talk about my faith. I’m usually pretty private about it, but it is a big part of who I am. I feel sad that so many families have moved away from faith. It doesn’t have to be a certain religion or structured belief, but a faith in something that is bigger than all us.

I was raised with the belief that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes that is really difficult to figure out, but I have seen that truth time after time.

I wish you good health and strength. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

by Cathy Miller on April 2, 2012 at 10:25 am. Reply #

I rely on my faith a lot, and like you, I feel for those who don’t believe or have only a perfunctory belief. Or worse, those who believe that God punishes us for our misdeeds. I don’t believe that at all, but I know I still have a lot to learn about faith.

by Ashley on April 2, 2012 at 6:16 pm. Reply #

Catching up on your posts. I really appreciate the points you made – and the verse. This is one I lean on: Philippians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

by Tara on May 16, 2012 at 3:50 pm. Reply #

Tara, that’s one of my grandmother’s favorite verses, and it always reminds me of her. It’s such a relief to know that we don’t have to worry because God will take care of everything! Thanks for stopping by!

by Ashley on May 16, 2012 at 4:48 pm. Reply #

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