Results are in . . .

We met with my Oncologist today. The results are in and show what appears to be a return of the cancer on the head of the pancreas. The prior CT scan showed a ‘fullness’ in this same area, but since it was not a PET scan we could not do a direct comparison. The liver mets noted on previous scans have also grown some. This explains most of the pain I have been experiencing lately. There are some other details less important, but this is the main info we were looking for. The plan is now to have an upper GI scope to make sure there are no ulcers which could be contributing to/causing any of the pain, followed by radiation which will be formed/directed to fit the affected area of the pancreas. He also suggested some other chemo drugs I could take following the radiation.

Point #1:
This is not what we were wanting to hear. This is not what we, like so many of you, were praying for. What did the Angels of the Lord (almost) always preface their appearing with, “Fear not, for the Lord thy God is with thee”. The word fear is mentioned in the King James Version 400 times, New King James 367 and the NIV 260 times. Not all are used in the same context, but you get the picture. Fear is a part of our human nature and God knowing this about us tells us to “fear not”. And why does He say that we do not have to fear? For “I AM is with you”.
When I was a kid, if my dad was with me fear was usually not a problem, “cause no body could beat up my dad”. Do any of you remember thinking like that? Then you get older and your world expands, as does your understanding of that world, and the question of who can beat up who fades. Then life throws some real fear – not imagined fear - at you and you run to your heavenly Father “cause nobody can beat up your daddy” and God says, “Fear not, I Am with you”. Amen.

Point #2:
I posed this question to Robin: “Why do we even pray if what you have been requesting for over a year does not happen?” Now that could be answered in many different ways and I know the answer I would give to others with that same question. But here is what I believe the Lord revealed to me soon after thinking that thought/question:
If you pray for a healing in your body and do not receive that healing, do you stop praying? Of course not! Which is more important, a physical healing or having a living relationship with your Heavenly Father? Prayer is (primarily) about fellowship with God. If your spouse does not give you something you requested do they cease being your spouse? Do you stop talking to them or is the marriage covenant dissolved? Of course not! Therefore, my (and your) relationship with God is of paramount importance. To know God and to be known by Him is the key. Because of what Christ did at the Cross, those who believe now have access to God. Prior to this (in the Old Testament - which means Old 'Covenant'), one had to go to a priest and offer a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Not anymore. I have a new 'covenant' with Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Because of Jesus, I now have access to the Throne room of the King. That is why I continue to pray. The healing is just lagniappe.

Point#3:
Many times our prayers have been or are going to be answered in ways which me may or may not understand. God has a purpose and a plan for my life as well as yours. Whether I am healed on not is something that does matter to me - and I know it matters to God. Jesus never made anyone sick, but He did walk by people everyday on the streets who were sick and yet were not healed. I have always wondered why He didn't heal them? He did not refuse to heal them, so what part did they play in not being healed?
Did they not know Who He was?
Did they know but refuse to believe that a healing was possible for them?
Did they know and believe but just failed to ask out of fear for what others might think?
Did they even know they could ask?
Or, what about this one, "What if I ask and a healing does not happen for me?"
The list of questions could go on and on . . .

I still wonder, "Lord, what part (if any) am I to play in my own healing? Am I, like so many of those You passed by on the streets, missing something?" Is there some detail I have overlooked?
The woman with the 'issue of blood' was sick for over a decade and had spent all that she had on doctors. Now you know she had asked for help from God over and over again but did not receive a healing - until Jesus came to town. . . .

Luke 8:43-48
43 And a woman was there who had been subject to
bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.
44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of
his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all
denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding
and pressing against you."
46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that
power has gone out from me."
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed,
came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of
all the people, she told why she had touched him and
how she had been instantly healed.
48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

My Jesus is coming to town folks, don't know just exactly when, but He is coming...

Have a great Tuesday. George