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In mid-December, 1998, I went to a gastroenterologist for a routine checkup. He told me he had found several polyps and said that only a colonoscopy would reveal if there were any more present. On January 4, I was scheduled as an out-patient for a colonoscopy. On the eve of the 3
rd, a blizzard hit our city in Buffalo, New York. By morning, it had let up somewhat, but the weather was still treacherous. Unaware that the city had issued a driving ban, a Christian lady friend drove me to the hospital through a "white-out." Only by the grace of God did we arrive -- covered with snow, but unharmed. The doctor, who arrived late, was astounded that anyone showed up. The four other patients he had scheduled had called and cancelled.
God definitely wanted me there.
The colonoscopy took place and no other polyps were found, but the original polyps turned out to be "a very peculiar growth," of which several biopsies were taken. I found out later that these biopsies were sent to three or four different labs for confirmations.
Several days later, as I sat across from the doctor in his office, he told me the
bad news. Not only was the growth
cancerous, but it's type and the depth of it indicated
lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that involves the thousands of lymph nodes that circulate throughout the body. The doctor went on to say that he
"cleaned me up pretty good," but because of the depth of the tumor, he couldn't get it all. He also told me that he would be referring me to an oncologist... to brace myself for a multitude
of test, possible surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
I sat in his office -- numb and in disbelief but, I didn't panic. I had a special inner peace and calmness -- an assurance that comes from knowing
that God is in control.
I went home and prayed,
"Lord, I know that you are my healer."
Knowing the importance of the prayer of agreement, I called ever prayer line -- both locally and out-of-state, that I could think of. Many thanks to the Christian television ministries that offer prayer telephone numbers on the screen, and many thanks to all of the wonderful, faithful prayer partners manning the telephones, ready to pray for the caller.
I literally had thousands of Christians praying for me, and every prayer was precious and priceless. The Bible says that our prayers are as a sweet incense to our God. My personal prayer time took a sharp upswing -- God had my attention --
Big Time!
I knew in my heart that if I was to serve Him in the ministry, I would have to stay very close to Him, be sensitive to his leading and stay healthy. I continued to pray and praise Him... always reminding Him of His Word -- His promises.
God's Healing Power is witnessed throughout scripture. The following are some of the verses that guided me through this difficult time.
My favorite is
Isaiah 53:4-5
He (Jesus) bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, was bruised for our iniquities, wounded for our transgressions. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him and BY HIS STRIPES WE WERE HEALED.
1 Peter 2:24
-- By His stripes
we were healed.
Psalm 103:03
-- He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases.
Psalm 107:20
-- He sent His word and healed us.
Exodus 15:26
-- I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Jeremiah 30:17
-- I will restore health to you and heal your wounds.
Psalm 91:16
-- With a long life, will I satisfy thee.
Psalm 118:17 -- I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.
I repeated these scriptures several times daily and believed them. So, the series of test that continued for many weeks, soon began. Before each test,
I covered myself in prayer and the
SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. I also had the blessed assurance that thousands of Christian warriors were praying for me. The test results started coming
back.
All Blood Test -- Normal
All X-Rays & CatScans -- Negative
All sonograms -- Negative
Bone Marrow -- Negative
Colonoscopy's -- Negative
Sigmoidoscopy -- Negative
Repeated Biopsies -- Negative
Gallian Scan -- Negative
The conclusion was that the growth was completely gone. There was
ABSOLUTELY NO TRACE OF LYMPHOMA.
NO Drugs, NO Radiation, NO Chemo was ever taken.
Whose report will you believe? I will believe the report of the Lord. Praise God! I received my miracle.
Psalm 77:14
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OUR GOD IS A GOD OF WONDERS AND MIRACLES
For a "free" copy of my personal testimony, in pamphlet form, please call
704-987-0523.
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