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I am a cancer survivor. About 35 years back, the medical professionals removed a five-pound tumor from my heart and lungs. I had 18 surgical treatments and went through 18 months of chemotherapy.
I lost count of the days I invested isolated in a hospital space and in your home after that, unable to leave your house since of my weakened body immune system.
So, even before this coronavirus pandemic, I understood what it resembled to be quarantined. I knew what it was like to feel lonesome and scared you’re going to pass away.
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My battle with cancer was incredibly challenging, however I can truly state that the most painful duration of my life is now the most significant to me. I discovered some particular concepts that comforted me, empowered me and opened my heart to a much better life than I ever dreamed possible. I hope they will help you.
1. We need to remember, “Sometimes, it’s not everything about me.”
To be perfectly sincere, in the midst of my cancer I was, sometimes … well, self-indulgent. In a way, it was reasonable. I was defending my life, and every ounce of my strength was focused on simply surviving. But in some cases a self-indulgent mindset can get out of hand.
I enjoy the prayer by Fr. Michael Graham that has been going around social media. Among the lines says, “May we who settle in for a quarantine in the house remember those who have no house.” The point is that no matter how bad our scenario may be, there is always someone who is dealing with even more tough circumstances.
When dealing with cancer, it was my spouse who snapped me out of my self-centered bubble. “You’re not the only individual on the planet suffering,” she told me one day. “Get up, and let’s tackle life.”
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2. People enter our lives when we require them most.
I wouldn’t have made it through that dark, challenging season of cancer without my close friends and family who came together to support me. Whenever I remained in the lowest points of my anguish, practically without fail, the phone would ring. A good friend from work or church– and sometimes a complete stranger!– would be on the other end of the line to motivate me.
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At that time, I worked as dean of trainees at a university, and the students became my support system. They sent me cards to tell me they were thinking of me. And on Nov. 25, 1985, 3,000 trainees collected for a 24- hour “Miracle Day of Prayer” to wish my healing. I don’t know all their names, but I am so grateful for each one of those boys and women. And I believe God heard their prayers, because less than 2 years later on I was stated cancer-free!
If you are struggling today during this time of isolation, I encourage you to turn to the people in your own life. You may not have the ability to be with them physically, but you can still get in touch with your friends and family. Be sincere with them. Let them understand where you are spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. They can’t help you if they do not understand what you’re going through.
Each of us was designed with an inherent requirement for community. Don’t go through this trial alone.
3. In every trial, we can take comfort in God’s guarantees.
Throughout those long, lonely months of sitting in the house while my family went to church and school events, I basked in Isaiah 41: 10: ” So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will reinforce you and help you; I will maintain you with my righteous right-hand man.”
I can’t think of a more appropriate verse to hang on to throughout this special minute in history we’re all going through. The requirements are fantastic. People throughout the country are out of work. Every day the number of coronavirus cases and deaths increases. And our country’s physician are tired and overwhelmed.
But God can and will supply all our needs.
Commit this verse to memory if you have not already and quote it to yourself every day. Browse God’s Word for other verses you can draw convenience from in the face of unpredictability. God understands what we deal with. Nothing catches Him by surprise– not even an international pandemic.
4. You could be the answer to somebody’s prayer.
After God healed me of cancer, I understood it needs to have been since He had something huge planned for my life. It was due to the fact that of my battle with cancer that I was willing to state “yes” when a few years later I had the chance to discovered World Help, a worldwide humanitarian organization.
Over the past 29 years, we have actually delivered humanitarian help to countless people in lots of countries, and we are working right now to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Maybe today you can drop off some groceries for the household who has actually just recently gone from 2 incomes to none. You can sign in on the elderly people in your neighborhood who may not be able to go to the store. Or you can offer a donation to help with coronavirus relief here in the U.S. and around the globe.
We may not understand the answers to all the “whys” of this crisis. However God does. And perhaps He desires you to use this opportunity to share His love with an injuring world.
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