WALKING THROUGH FIRE
Part 2
During the first part of 2014, Jeanette had blood work done to determine whether or not to continue further cancer treatment. Meanwhile, she suffered from mouth sores so severe that it caused difficulty eating and significant weight loss. She also had difficulty speaking because of a tumor that affected her voice. Jeanette sensed spiritual warfare going on.
Here is an excerpt from Jeanette’s email on August 14, 2014: I want to express my appreciation to all of you who prayed and supplicated on my behalf. These last few mornings, I took a slow and long walk with my dear Lord Jesus. I had an intimate conversation with Him. He was with me every step I took. He strengthened my body, spirit and soul. He said to me through Isaiah 41:14-15, “Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob [“Jeanette”]; I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth.”
The Lord was good. Jeanette celebrated a good and peaceful birthday in 2014. She was also blessed with good sleep at night as well as intimate times with the Lord. Jeanette’s own difficulties did not stop her from bringing a student’s mom to the church’s “Moon Festival” outreach program and asking for prayers on the mom’s behalf.
In November 2014, Jeanette’s email revealed a heart full of gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving! It is time to offer thanksgiving and I want to thank our LORD for His grace and protection over me this past year. 2014 has been a trying year, but God’s grace was sufficient for me. Thank you all for your prayers and support. There were discouraging times. It is God’s promises in His Word that has given me hope and strength to face the challenges. Praise His Name. Please offer thanksgiving on my behalf to our dear Lord.
In February 2015, Jeanette sent a Lunar New Year email: Happy Lunar New Year! The LORD is good and worthy of all praises! The brain scan shows that 90% of lesions are healed and the doctor has given me permission to go on vacation with the family in May. …I want to thank Pastor for giving me a devotional book. Please allow me to share with you: “Thank Me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again. Some of the greatest works in my Kingdom have been done from sickbeds and prison cells. Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My Way in the midst of these very circumstances. Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is to be close to Me. Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence with you. Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me. Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms. My Strength and Power show themselves most effective in weakness. “Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” Zechariah 2:13
In the first quarter of 2015, Jeanette received both encouraging and discouraging news. The encouraging news was that all major organs in her body were in good condition as shown in PET scans. But the discouraging news was that she now battled 2 different kinds of cancer at the same time. As of May this year, she completed radiation, her tumors have been reduced, and she was able to go on the family vacation.
Although we do not know God’s plan for Jeanette and her family, we know that she continues to claim God’s promises, has peace and joy knowing that God is in control, and has the hope that He will be glorified through this trial. We as a church family can continue to pray for Jeanette’s complete healing, God’s protection upon her daily, and minimal side effects from treatments. We can join Jeanette in praising God who gives hope and strength to her and her family each and every day.
