I’m sure the nurse heard the strain in my voice when she called to inform me of a surgery date to remove the mass—the culprit of my stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis.
“Can’t we move the date up? I asked. “Waiting until July 7th would make it over six weeks from my last chemotherapy treatment. I’m afraid of cancer cells growing.” Before she could answer, I made a desperate suggestion. “Or maybe I should have another treatment prior to the surgery?” A cold wash of fear shot up my spine like a gust of winter sleet. I shivered at the thought of another round of chemo and all the awful side effects that would wrack my tired, sick body.
The nurse assured me that based on the bloodwork, my body needed time to recover after doing chemo treatments every three weeks since March. So, she scheduled the surgery as planned.
It made sense logically, but fear doesn’t usually follow logic.
And quite frankly, I had reason to be afraid from a human standpoint since back in March cancer-filled fluid surrounded my abdomen and lungs. I could barely make it up my stairs, even talking was difficult.
The cancer was taking over—literally killing me.
I hung up the phone and cried. This just couldn’t be your will, God. I’m so scared. I need you right now, Jesus.
And then God showed up.
I recalled all the prayers (my own, family, friends, and complete strangers) and how the fluid was gone, and there was now no trace of the lung nodules that had once shown on a CT scan. The Lord was using modern medicine to heal me. And then the Holy Spirit brought to mind the scriptures God had given me. You see, I have learned
There’s something mysteriously dynamic about speaking God’s Word aloud.
We all know that words are powerful. What we believe is revealed in our words. Our words become our actions. And our actions reflect our character. In fact, words are like building blocks that construct our lives and future. The words we speak are vital to our spiritual health as well as our physical health including our immune system. Our words are a blessing or a curse, life or death.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
So, I swiped away the unwelcome tears and began to say my memory verses aloud with confidence.
“And then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8
“By his wounds, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” Psalm 118:17
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 7:14
“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” Psalm 41:3
“No word from God will ever fail. I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:37-38
I found the more I spoke these precious passages, the closer I was to the Father and His will. And God’s will is healing—if not on earth, then in heaven. But the Lord had assured me, my healing was taking place on earth, and I was determined to trust His Word to me. I may not fully understand why the Lord allows for evils like cancer (and many other awful things), but I do know this: God is good and His plans are good. He is Master over cancer and I had faith in His Word, so I prayed His promises back to Him.
You can’t pray a better prayer than reciting God’s own Words.
And a byproduct of spending a lot of time with the Father was not only getting to know Him better but my faith and joy increased. You know what they say,
If you want to hear from God, read the Bible out loud!
After reciting my scripture verses, the date of my surgery flashed in my mind. I could see it lit up like a billboard: 7 / 7 / 21
Goosebumps rose on my arms. God knew exactly what He was doing!
The number seven is quite significant in scripture meaning:
- Completion
- Perfection
- Exoneration
- Healing
- Fulfillment of promises and oaths
Isn’t that just like the Lord? He was bringing BIG TIME assurance and confirmation of the healing He was doing through modern science (After all, He IS the Great Physician guiding the human physicians!). Not only was the date 7/7 but seven multiplied by three is twenty-one.
Sporting some new hair growth!
Each day, I recited my memory verses as well as other healing scriptures taken from a little book called God’s Creative Power For Healing by Charles Capps. Before I knew it, the day for surgery had arrived. And I had complete peace. I asked God to bring me Christian doctors and nurses as well as anyone to witness to about God’s love and grace.
There was no fear because I rested in God’s perfect love which casts out fear.
I trusted God and His promises to me. Period.
I woke after surgery a bit groggy but filled with joy. I immediately spoke to my nurses about how Jesus was healing me. And guess what? Each of my nurses and doctors except for one were Christians!
The evening after my surgery, while I was resting, a nurse named Anna came in to take my vitals then quickly left to allow me to sleep. But only moments after she left, I saw her head poke in the door. She approached my bed with some hesitancy. I could tell she wanted to tell me something.
She stopped near my bed and leaned in. “Glorify God,” she said.
Anna told me the moment she left my room, the Holy Spirit prompted her to return with this brief but astounding message. Tears filled my eyes as I thanked her. I shared all that God was doing through my cancer journey, and she shared how God uses her as a nurse.
This was a divine appointment!
Two days later, the physician on staff came in to check on my progress. I must admit, at first, I was taken aback by his overbearing size and countenance. He was bald, had many tattoos, and large silver rings on every finger. I could imagine him riding in on a Harley!
The doctor parked his backside against the counter and stared at me for a few moments before his deep, throaty voice broke the silence. “How are you?”
I glanced at my husband who looked just as mystified as me. But I was determined to share with this doctor about God. I told him I knew that Jesus was healing me.
The doctor raised a thick dark brow. “How do you know?”
I proceeded to recite Isaiah 58:8 to Him. Just as I finished saying the verse, a smile worked its way from his eyes down to his now upturned lips. “You know the voice of God,” he said. “His sheep know His voice.” The doctor’s smile beamed. “That scripture is a promise that God is going to take care of you and heal you because you are His precious child. The Father wants to give good gifts to His children. But the last part of the verse means when He heals you, you must
‘Glorify God and tell your story.’”
The doctor then proceeded to lay one beefy hand on my shoulder, the other on my abdomen when he began to pray!
He rebuked cancer and thanked God for healing me!
So, dear ones, bringing honor and glory to God is precisely why I am writing this. “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” (Psalm 118:17) And I believe it’s no mistake that you are reading a portion of my story because
My story is actually God’s story! Everything points to the Father.
And God’s story includes YOU, too.
Yes, you have a part to play in God’s story—and it’s good. Just like with me, God can use even evil to bring about good for His glory. After this past year and a half, all of us could use some encouragement, something to ignite our faith, right? Let me tell you, friend, God is at work in your life even if you can’t detect it right now. I promise, if you continue to “draw near to God, He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) I know because, His Word is truth, and because I have experienced it personally time and time again, especially during this journey with cancer.
I implore you to draw near, and watch God show up!
Love,
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Pray requests welcome 🙂
My last round of chemo button!
Treatment update: After healing from surgery, I did two more rounds of chemo. My recent bloodwork was completely NORMAL for the first time all year! I have started a maintenance drug to take care of any microscopic cancer cells and will have a CT scan soon. I continue to recite my memory verses daily, believing in God’s healing despite the science of stage 4 cancer not being in my favor. God is bigger than cancer! Read more about the odds HERE
For more posts on my cancer journey select “blog” on the menu bar above.
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Oh, Beckie, you are a shining light in the darkness. Thanks for sharing this part of your journey. The nurse telling you to glorify God and the physician praying over you gave me chills from the Holy Spirit. God surely wants and deserves the glory due His name, but He also tenderly cares for His sons and daughters. And even sends messengers to convey just what we need to hear…what you needed in those moments. Now, your story touches others, including me, and will continue to encourage those who come after you and walk this same path. You held the banner of God’s love up well, my dear friend. Praise His holy and matchless name!
Karen, Yes! Praise His holy and matchless name! Thanks for praying for me, sweet friend.
We can’t always know how He will show up in our lives, but we know He will when we believe upon His Son. God’s blessings; and keep on keeping on Ms. Beckie. #WeLoveBeckie You keep praising and we’ll keep praying ma’am. What a path you’ve blazed my friend.
JD, It’s a deal! I appreciate your prayers and encouragement throughout this journey.
You are an absolute joy, Beckie! A true inspiration to persevere whatever we’re facing.
Thanks, Patti! I’m glad to know you are in my corner.
Keep on glorifying God. It’s a world changer. ❤
Patty, Thanks, dear friend!
Beckie, as I’m wiping the tears from my eyes, I thank God for your doctors and nurses, for his healing, and for His presence in my life right now.
Mary, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your cards of encouragement and prayers.
Blessings to you!
How I love you! How I love God being glorified through you.! It always brings tears of joy to my eyes! Xxxxooooo you sweet sister!
Kathie,
Much love to you, dear friend!
You brilliant, beautiful, courageous, warrior in Christ! I am so thankful and inspired by you. It has been a blessing reading your story.
Thank you so much.
Elizabeth,
You have encouraged me with your kindness and prayers.
Blessings to you and yours!
Becky, I knew early on that you would be glorifying God during this physical trial. That journal is probably filled with pages of how God has stepped in along this journey. And you have been found faithful in keeping His promises all along the way. How much closer you have become to Him is the result of having complete faith in the Hid who saves and heals. Glory be to God!
Ben,
You are correct, my journal is filled with many blessings. I appreciate your continued support and prayer, my friend.
Blessings!
Oh, Beckie, what a glorious story of your journey with cancer, one in which God is holding you close throughout – He is healing you!!! You have chosen to trust Him and testify of His goodness and grace to all who would listen, and your example is one that we should all follow. You’ve certainly prompted me to read God’s Word out loud, with conviction and faith. I will continue to pray for you, dear friend.
Blessings!
Martha, Your sweet cards, prayers, and encouragement have blessed me!
Thank you, sweet friend 🙂
Very inspiring you are and God is using your testimony to help instill in others practices of daily Bible reading as well as declaring His word over their lives. Indeed God trusted you will all you have been through. Such a testimony of joy and grace instead of despair and gloom. Keep shining precious and know your life is a trophy of His grace 🤗🤗😘❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙌
Valerie,
Oh, how you have helped me through this process. Thanks for keeping me in prayer and writing beautiful words of scripture and encouragement.
Blessings!
Wow, Beckie! Keep giving God the glory. It IS His story after all.
Mary, Yes, it is ALL for God!
Thanks and blessings to you!
Becky, thank you for continuing to inspire and encourage. Your journey is one that is touching the lives of many. Hugs.
Thank you, Melissa <3
Another inspiring, uplifting, convicting, heart-challenging, soul-nourishing reminder that the incredible genius Who created these bodies we live in loves to engage with us personally on levels most of us don’t want to get to. Given the cost of what you shared, it’s almost hard to thank you for it, because I wish I could have learned it from somebody I didn’t already care about. On the other hand, the lessons wouldn’t have hit with the impact that they did coming from you. We may have a long distance kind of friendship, but we’re part of the same family and it’s friendship nonetheless. Perhaps if those of us who read your story work more diligently to glorify God in all we do, a more painful method might not be necessary. In any case, God bless you for inviting us into your heart again, and may the story of your healing, be multiplied exponentially. And, by the way, the pictures are a bonus that adds smiles to the tears.
Oh, how I cherish our friendship, Ron. Your kindness blesses me tremendously.
Blessings to you and Diane.
Love, love, love this post. Our God is amazing and you are glorifying Him. So proud of you.
And I love, love, love YOU, Krystal Pister! Thanks for walking with me through this journey. And thanks for loving me.