I had a problem. I had to make a decision and wasn’t sure what to do. Where do you find guidance when experts disagree?
Photo by: Ashley Batz
Those who follow my blog know I had surgery this spring. Assimilating the possibility of cancer and a torrent of information and opinions can be dizzying.
After my oncologist said he didn’t think I had cancer, I researched whether to keep my organs. Conventional medicine tends to view removing ovaries and Fallopian tubes as a smart preventive measure against ovarian cancer. They think it may reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer too—the cancers that killed my parents.
Those who take a holistic view of the body see an integrated whole instead of a collection of systems. They believe healthy parts contribute to the health of the whole.
The purpose of this blog is to refresh your faith, not give medical advice. So I want to show you how God led me through this maze.
I Asked in Faith
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find… For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds” (Matt. 7:7-8 ESV underlining added).
If we want God’s wisdom and will, we must ask Him for it. James adds that we must ask in faith.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-7).
Faith believes God rewards those who seek Him (see Hebrews 11:1, 6). This doesn’t mean we never doubt ourselves. But we don’t doubt Him.
Our hope rests on God’s faithfulness not on our feelings. Share on XI asked God to lead me in this and woke up one morning with the verse “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”(Psalm 139:14) playing through my mind.
I opened this Psalm to see if God had more to say and read:
“My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be” (Ps. 139:15-16 NIV).
God assured me He understands my body’s specific needs. He even knows the exact number of days I have left in this body. I could trust Him to lead me in the way best for me.
I Refocused on Jesus’ Faithfulness
The morning I was to give my answer to my surgeon, a friend called with stories that made me question my decision. “Lord, are you redirecting me?”
The tightness in my stomach spoke fear, not faith.
I reminded myself: My faith is in God’s ability to deliver not my ability to discover. Share on X
Lord, you have promised to lead me. I will trust that the answer I give today will come from you. It’s not up to me to figure out the right answer.
My body relaxed.
I told my husband about the call when he came to pick me up. I asked if he thought I should reconsider my decision.
“God has not given us a spirit of fear,” he said.
While he changed shirts, I picked up Daily Light. I’d read the morning reading earlier, but decided to read the evening one while I waited. I read, “For as the body is one…” (1 Cor. 12:12).
This verse confirmed the other Scripture God had given me. When I told Larry, he added, “And no part is indispensable,” (see 1 Cor. 12:22).
Double confirmation.
At my appointment, I told my doctor I tried to make decisions from a sound mind and faith, not fear. He said he felt we were on the same page. He thought my decision was right for me.
Triple confirmation!
Once again, God showed me it’s not the size of my problems, but the size of my God.
Are you lost in a maze of conflicting advice? No problem. Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor!
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Blessings,
Debbie W. Wilson
Sometimes I link up with these great sites:
#TestimonyTuesday, #IntentialTuesday, #TuesTalk, #w2wwordfilledwednesday, #Wedded Wednesday, #Women with Intention, #LivefreeThursday, #Thankful Thursdays, #Grace and Truth, #Reflect linkup, #Us, Coffee, & Jesus #SoulSurvival
Debbie,
What an inspiration you are!
You remain in our prayers for complete healing and Phil. 4:7 peace!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing journey with us! I am
remembering an earlier blog about how God’s greatness dwarfs the
“giants” in our lives. In this battle, you are releasing many “stones” of
powerful truths, and I have no doubt that many “giants” are falling to
the ground!
Praising the Lord!
What a great picture you’ve painted, Kay. Bless you!
Debbie, what a blessing it was to stop here and read your story here today. Your faith and reliance on God is a true inspiration. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to have differing healthcare opinions coming at you from all directions. Praise God for his confirmation! Praying for you today.
Abby, thanks so much for your prayers!
First of all, I’m so sorry that you’re having to go through this. May God continue to lead and guide you each step of your journey. God is ALWAYS faithful, and it’s difficult sometimes to hear his voice (of course, we must look for it!) in the sea of medical advice and personal opinions (been there, done that). We are each uniquely made and must come to our own decisions based on our partnership with God :).
Thanks, Anita.
Debbie,
I will be with you in Spirit as you undergo surgery tomorrow. As you are aware, I have a little experience in that area. I do not have any wise counsel, but do believe you be just fine. Love you, Sara
You certainly do, Sara! Bless you, and thank you both for your prayers!
Oh Debbie, YOU and your writings are such a blessing in my life! I am so encouraged by your message of faith. I am praying for your swift and thorough recovery. You are loved, Sweet Sister in Christ!
Thank you, Lisa! Blessings to you, my friend.
Thanks for being willing to share so transparently as you are walking this path. Your blog both encouraged and instructs me.
I love being able to tweet right out of your blog! What a great addition
Thank you, Sandi. I like these clever apps too.
Debbie while an issue I am dealing with is not anywhere as critical in the moment as what you described – your process and the way you described your feelings throughout really blessed me. I am trusting God for completion and fulfillment of His plans and purposes for my daughter and I know He doesn’t do anything half-way – He will not allow her to be stopped half-way. I know He has clearly spoken to you and that your decision is in His perfect will for you. I am praying my friend and trusting Him for us all!
Thank you, Ann. It doesn’t matter whether we are picking out paint colors or dealing with health issues, I know God wants us to walk in faith, not in fear. Trusting God to direct your daughter too!
((Debbie)) Prayers for you, sister. You’ve been on my mind, so I was just coming in today to see how things were going with your health issues. Will be praying for your surgery. So glad God gave you triple confirmation regarding your decisions, PTL. ((Hug))
Thanks, Brenda. Isn’t He good!
Thanks for this open hearted sharing.
I’ll certainly be praying for you in the coming days.
Thank you, Michele. May these prayers bring results than impress my medical team and give glory to God!
Well said, my sweet friend. You have been in my prayers each day this week and you will be in the days ahead! Phil. 1:6
Thank you, Pam. Getting ready to leave now!
We serve a mighty God! I’m so thankful that you are faithful to Him and in Him. “He whose mind is stayed on Him, He will keep in perfect peace. And He will guard your heart and mind.” (Ann’s paraphrased edition)
We are keeping you in our prayers. I’m excited to see what our Lord has done and will do.
Love you,
Ann
Thank you, Ann. I’m home and recuperating! Very thankful all is well.
What a wise man you married, Debbie, to remind you of the peace peace available to us in Christ alone. Praying for a good result and for His hand to continue to lead you each step of the way.
Thank you, Crystal. Larry is a true gift. Thanks for your prayers. I’m home and the mass was benign. PTL!
Debbie,
God is so good to give us that peace and confirmation! But, you are right, we must quiet ourselves and focus on Him to hear His quiet voice and notice His confirmations. Praying for you over the next season of surgery!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Thanks, Lori. God answered the prayers of His people. I’m home and doing well!
You are such an encouragement to me. Thank you for your openness during this situation. I’m still praying for you. Thank you for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.
Thank you, Lori. You’re a blessing!
Thank you for sharing how God is working and directing in your life. It is encouraging to be reminded that God still speaks to His children today, and I love that He gave you triple confirmation! His love is so priceless!
Isn’t He good! Thanks, Ruth. I’m home and doing well.
This post was great. So glad that I stopped by. I love how you remind us that God is faithful and His faithfulness is not based on our feelings. Thanks for the beautiful offering
Thank you, Jenn!