A Fine Line
I have never been of the company that believes that all "healing" (I put that in quotes, because I believe as Christians, sometimes our ultimate healing is that which moves us from this life to God's presence) comes exclusively of God, i.e., without the assistance of medicine. I confess that I have never understood the stories of parents who withheld medical help for their suffering children on the basis of "faith."
I also have never held to the position that illness is the result of sin, or a result of lack of faith. There have just been too many godly people I know of who have had terminal illesses and colds, for that matter. I just cannot accept that.
However, I do agree with a comment made by Kerri Lane, a godly and sweet woman at my church who recently died of melanoma. If I understood her correctly, she believed that cancer was of satan. I cannot speak for her, so I will speak for myself: I don't take that to mean that every woman who has breast cancer, or person who has an illness of any sort has been specifically targeted by satan. Perhaps in some cases they have. But for the most of us, I take it to mean that cancer, and all illness, and certainly death itself, is the result of the original sin in the Garden. I do not think that death was part of God's original intent, or at least not death as we currently experience it.
We know that God has triumphed over death through Jesus, but until He declares all things finished, we all are susceptable to various aspects of that original fall in the garden. So, as a woman with breast cancer, I think my situation is somehow a result of that defiant choice made by Adam and Eve. Just like my impatience, hatefulness, and stinginess (how's that for confession), I am now similarly experiencing the defilement of God's original creation and intent for His children.
As a woman with breast cancer, that has a couple of implications:
1) I certainly do not see medical science in conflict with my faith. Though there are surely scientists and doctors out there who have the spirit of self-importance that caused a lot of trouble at the Tower of Babel, I think in general that God has enabled scientists to discover truths that help keep life going, and thus help keep His work and kingdom going in this world.
2) In fighting my cancer, I am fighting for life, and that is congruent with God's intent for us. This is a spiritual fight as well. I think of Jesus' words, "The thief comes to steal and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 Though as a Christian, I believe death is being ushered into His presence, I also think that while we are here on this earth, we are called to enjoy life in all aspects...spiritually, emotionally, relationally, physically...to the full. Life is a gift; satan means to interrupt it in whatever way he can; God triumphs and helps us overcome...hatefulness, stinginess, and cancer.
I recognize there are some fine lines here. And I realize theologians and non-theologians may be able to argue my points. But for now, these are my thoughts.
Yet another thought: Kerri Lane did not die defeated. She spiritually conquered (by leaps and bounds, in my opinion!) her cancer and Jesus defeated death for her--I believe she was ushered joyfully into His presence. I think many of us who knew Kerri find ourselves in a odd place: we don't want to have to be like Kerri, but if we find ourselves in her place, we hope to imitate her at least in part. Jesus, please give her a hug for me!
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On a lighter note, I made my hair appointment to deal with my hairloss. I may be a bit early on the draw, but that will take me to my 18th day, when hairloss is supposed to rapidly begin. If I wait, I will have to wait past the weekend and Memorial Day, and that may get traumatic. So...humor, seeing myself as God does, and relishing the hope of not having to shave my legs for 4 months...we will pack it all up with a prayer and a wig and hope for the best! My plan is to take the family with me. I figure if we all see it happen together, it will be less scary for the girls and less traumatic for Mark.
A favorite line I recently read..."we are hairless, not prayerless!"
I also have never held to the position that illness is the result of sin, or a result of lack of faith. There have just been too many godly people I know of who have had terminal illesses and colds, for that matter. I just cannot accept that.
However, I do agree with a comment made by Kerri Lane, a godly and sweet woman at my church who recently died of melanoma. If I understood her correctly, she believed that cancer was of satan. I cannot speak for her, so I will speak for myself: I don't take that to mean that every woman who has breast cancer, or person who has an illness of any sort has been specifically targeted by satan. Perhaps in some cases they have. But for the most of us, I take it to mean that cancer, and all illness, and certainly death itself, is the result of the original sin in the Garden. I do not think that death was part of God's original intent, or at least not death as we currently experience it.
We know that God has triumphed over death through Jesus, but until He declares all things finished, we all are susceptable to various aspects of that original fall in the garden. So, as a woman with breast cancer, I think my situation is somehow a result of that defiant choice made by Adam and Eve. Just like my impatience, hatefulness, and stinginess (how's that for confession), I am now similarly experiencing the defilement of God's original creation and intent for His children.
As a woman with breast cancer, that has a couple of implications:
1) I certainly do not see medical science in conflict with my faith. Though there are surely scientists and doctors out there who have the spirit of self-importance that caused a lot of trouble at the Tower of Babel, I think in general that God has enabled scientists to discover truths that help keep life going, and thus help keep His work and kingdom going in this world.
2) In fighting my cancer, I am fighting for life, and that is congruent with God's intent for us. This is a spiritual fight as well. I think of Jesus' words, "The thief comes to steal and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 Though as a Christian, I believe death is being ushered into His presence, I also think that while we are here on this earth, we are called to enjoy life in all aspects...spiritually, emotionally, relationally, physically...to the full. Life is a gift; satan means to interrupt it in whatever way he can; God triumphs and helps us overcome...hatefulness, stinginess, and cancer.
I recognize there are some fine lines here. And I realize theologians and non-theologians may be able to argue my points. But for now, these are my thoughts.
Yet another thought: Kerri Lane did not die defeated. She spiritually conquered (by leaps and bounds, in my opinion!) her cancer and Jesus defeated death for her--I believe she was ushered joyfully into His presence. I think many of us who knew Kerri find ourselves in a odd place: we don't want to have to be like Kerri, but if we find ourselves in her place, we hope to imitate her at least in part. Jesus, please give her a hug for me!
__________________________________________________________
On a lighter note, I made my hair appointment to deal with my hairloss. I may be a bit early on the draw, but that will take me to my 18th day, when hairloss is supposed to rapidly begin. If I wait, I will have to wait past the weekend and Memorial Day, and that may get traumatic. So...humor, seeing myself as God does, and relishing the hope of not having to shave my legs for 4 months...we will pack it all up with a prayer and a wig and hope for the best! My plan is to take the family with me. I figure if we all see it happen together, it will be less scary for the girls and less traumatic for Mark.
A favorite line I recently read..."we are hairless, not prayerless!"
posted by Beverly @ 2:39 PM
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