A blessed morning to all! I am Sis. Lot from Sunday School and Saturday Good News Class of Jabez. I am an ordinary church worker and a full-time housewife. I have three children. At my age, I have been facing many trials in life. I want to share today the most challenging Goliath of my life.
This happened last February 2018, when I found out that I had breast lump (bukol) in my right breast. I immediately went to the hospital, along with my husband, for a check up. I underwent an operation called “Mastectomy” (which required removing the chest wall, and all axillary lymph nodes while preserving the breast tissue in this procedure) the same month. Ten breast cysts were found out and nine of these turned positive, while the other one turned negative. The doctor advised me to undergo a chemotherapy but I declined and chose to take an alternative medication. I was afraid on what would happen if I go through chemotherapy because there is a possibility that I will get bald, which is so unbecoming and might look unattractive in front of my husband. Then I decided to take the alternative medication, wherein I spent a huge amount of money that I used to save. Nevertheless, I still went back again to hospital and asked the doctor if I could use my insurance from PhilHealth or SSS. Unfortunately, I was not able to it. This might be the will of the Lord since I am a Christian believer whose faith is in the power of the Lord.
I can still recall that when we went to the hospital, particularly during my operation, I prayed fervently to the Lord for guidance and blessing of my doctor- to have wisdom and proper care. After that operation, the doctor once told me that I was the only patient who was smiling and claiming that I did not feel any pain.
I am indeed thankful with my friends from COG-Jabez who prayed lavishly for me. I have felt their love and care for me while suffering from my serious medical condition. I could not believe receiving phone calls and visitors either at home or at the hospital to just check one me and send encouraging words and prayers for me.
Prayer becomes my important weapon during my most difficult situation. This is merely because it is really hard to battle emotionally and spiritually when you have a serious illness like cancer. I might be found crying and isolating myself, yet my children have been my inspiration to stay strong. I have hold on the Word of the Lord that He will be with me in my battle so I do not have to be discouraged. Jeremiah 29:11 sums up that God has greater plans for me in this suffering.
I have here some pictures when I underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Moreover, I did not experience any difficulty every time I attend the ExCEL service. You would only see me wearing a cap or scarf on my head. Every after the service, I have felt peace of mind and the touch of God. There are some people who would say I was not suffering from any sickness because my body did not change at all.
Besides, I have been serving the Lord through Saturday Good News Class and have been doing household chores despite I used to be taking the treatment. I did not think I have a sickness but, rather I asserted that I’m already healed by the Lord. He will never leave me nor forsake me. The Lord always provides anything I ask l, since my husband and I are both working while our children are studying. I used my insurance from PhilHealth and SSS to pay for my chemotherapy session, and there was someone who sponsored me. This proves how God uses people to channel His love for me. In times of need, there is someone who will help you. That is one thing I claimed that God is working and doing miracles.
A year after I was operated, I am here in front of everyone who continue to fight for my life, my children, my friends, and my co-workers in Jabez who made me to stay strong. They are the ones who made me feel how much they love me as one of their brethren in faith. I couldn’t explain how special I am, having Christ in my life most especially during this time of facing the extreme Goliath of my life. God’s presence has been moving and outpouring His blessings to us.
I am indeed thankful that I am still here, attending the EXCEL service even after my operation. I still feel much relief, satisfaction and peace of mind. The Lord’s touch covers up renewal of strength and great healing. God oversees and encourages me that I can go forth because He has healed and strengthened me.
So far, my laboratory results are now doing good and I am waiting for the fifth year to declare that I am cancer-free.
I’m grateful that I am standing firm with my family, with the help of our Almighty God. Thank you!
