Prayers for my Dad

Thank you for your prayers concerning the medical tests my Dad has been undergoing. Last Tuesday, he was diagnosed with plasmacytoma - a form of cancer which began from abnormal plasma cells that collected and multiplied in his sacrum (the set of bones right above your tailbone).

He began radiation this week, and will continue to undergo this treatment for the next 3-4 weeks, 5 days a week. Please pray that the treatment totally eradicates this tumor with minimal side effects, and that it has not spread to any other places within his body.

These last 2 weeks have been difficult for our family, but we are clinging to each other and our Sovereign Savior. I read a devotion from Proverbs 31 ministries the day after Dad was diagnosed and it spoke volumes to my heart. Here is an excerpt that might encourage you, with whatever "insurmountable odds" or fears you might be facing too:

"Unhealthy fear overwhelms us with doubt and insecurity; it drains our spiritual life and physical strength. It steals God's peace from our hearts, and robs us of joy in our daily lives. It causes us to become stagnant; unable to move ahead with the things God has planned for us. It's important to remember that unhealthy, paralyzing, controlling fear is not from God. It is one weapon our enemy Satan uses to interrupt, discourage and destroy our relationship with our heavenly Father.

Are you struggling with unhealthy fear? In 1 Samuel 17:32, "David said to Saul, 'Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him'" (NIV). David could have cowered in the corner with an unhealthy, paralyzing fear at the thought of facing such insurmountable odds. Yet his confidence in God was so strong he actually volunteered to face the giant Philistine. David saw his giant problem from God's perspective and knew he already possessed everything necessary to face his enemy head on (literally!). This confidence allowed him to rest in God's power and inexhaustible strength in order to defeat his enemy. Because David's reliance was not on himself, but on the One who supplies everything he needed, the giant was defeated. As we follow David's example and look at our giant problems from God's perspective, we have the same assurance that God's very presence will sustain us as we use the tools He has already provided."

What a reminder this devotion was for me that we are to rest in God's power and strength to defeat this enemy of cancer. I love the verses that are found in Psalm 91:14-15, " 'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation'." What a promise and hope! It is my prayer that God will rescue my Dad from this cancer, protecting him, delivering him, and honoring him.

Never would I have dreamed that we would be facing this as a family, but I know that God is in control and nothing takes Him by surprise. My Dad has always been an incredible example of faith, strength, and perseverance; this is no exception. His faith is his security, and he does not change no matter the circumstances. I love him, admire him, and respect him.

Please continue to pray for my Dad and our family. Pray that his treatment is effective and that God's glory and power will be revealed in our lives.