Still Standing
And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:13-14
Dear Family and Friends,
I can’t stop thanking you all for journeying with me through this time in my life. Your prayers are powerful, a gift from God to us. I believe that it is through our prayers that we not only speak to God, but He speaks back to us. It is my prayer for you that you will hear him.
Cancer
It has been confirmed that I do have bile duct cancer. The procedure that took place Monday, February 24 put a drain in, allowing my liver to remove the bile, which is necessary to prepare my liver and body for the treatments to come. Only, it was not enough. I was brought back into the hospital on Wednesday, March 5. The next day a larger tube was put in. Still, it is necessary for yet another tube to go in, a procedure which will take place tomorrow.
Suffering
Suffering is something we try hard to avoid, but it is a part of life. Jesus told us plainly that in this world we will have tribulation, but the good news is that He has overcome the world, meaning no matter what we suffer, when we believe in Him we have a hope beyond this world into eternity, where real life begins. (John 16:33)
It is important to know that our suffering is not in vain, but will produce a harvest. God tells us in Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. God gives us hope in the midst of our circumstances, no matter how dire. He tells us to be patient, to trust Him and to pray constantly. What does your prayer life look like? The God of all creation, of our very lives calls us to pray, to talk to Him. Don’t turn away from Him.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
I am certainly walking through a fiery trial, but I know I am not alone. Jesus walks with me. He came and died for us, though He was completely innocent. He laid down His life for us to give us a hope for the future.
Team of Doctors
We are blessed to be at a great hospital that specializes in my disease, but we thought it best to get a second opinion from Sloane Kettering. We are pretty sure that we will use them for the oncology and Cooperman Barnabas for the surgery. That’s where we are presently.
First Cry.
At the dinner table Friday, February 28th I suddenly had a craving for Chipotle. Elan, Sabrina and I got into her car and on the way she put on a song called Peace (https://youtu.be/fKKd15f5XWY?si=wNGLA9vj1GHq7GyW) by Hillsong and friends. Every word of that song confirmed everything I had been feeling, the very Scriptures and spiritual truths I had been holding onto. There’s a part in the song when the singer proclaims ‘You’re Jehovah Shalom’, the God of peace. As soon as I heard that proclamation something inside of me broke and I cried out to the Lord in my suffering. It was the release everyone, even I had been waiting to happen. Up until that point I had not cried. In that instant, I felt a profound release. Right there in that car, we were transported into the presence of the God Who knit us together in our mother‘s wombs, Who keeps watch over us night and day, and has provided an escape for us from this world and the sin debt we owe Him through the precious blood of Jesus Christ, Who laid down His life for us, rising on the third day, defeating sin and death. I felt His presence and I knew that His peace was mine, and I would walk in it. Many people tell me how sorry they are that I’m going through this and I understand their sentiment. I’ve said that to others too, but God, in His ultimate wisdom knew that this was for my good, so I will embrace it and walk through it.
Prayer Request
At this time I’d like to ask you all to join my family in praying for a successful procedure tomorrow.
Pray also that my bilirubin count will come down.
That I will be able to come home soon so that I can really begin to heal.
That I will do well with all treatments and the upcoming surgery.
Walking Out My Faith
My family and I are walking out our faith. Loving God is not just for the good times. It’s understanding that we’re called to trust Him in the good and the bad times, believing that He loves us with an everlasting love, that He can only do good, and He offers us all the gift of salvation that will bless us in this life and into eternity.
In Christ’s love,
Carla