I had a friend ask me recently, “When do you know God’s love and presence the most?” My answer was in the greatest pain and darkest times I can see His goodness the best. I know my desperation for Him more in those days. It seems that in my suffering and disappointment, the Lord reveals Himself to me in deeper ways: His joy, His peace, His presence, His love. Honestly, I do not always press into those promises from Him. Many times I get discouraged and disappointed that life is not how I thought it should be. My desire is to be completely content in the Lord. He never ceases to amaze me with His grace and goodness. Psalm 3:3-5 has ministered a lot to me lately, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.”
The last several months have been hard. I made the year and a half mark with the chemotherapy, Trodelvy. It is a tough drug to endure (the side effects, the infusion). I do not even think I could properly describe the process of sickness and side effects. However, the medication is working for my benefit, and I am so grateful! My quarterly pet scan in January looked good! There has been some concern about my liver so I had an MRI and that too came back with good results!
I have been struggling with severe allergies the past three weeks as I am sure many of you have also. I am much better the last few days; however, last Monday my chemo was called off because I was not strong enough. I am struggling to fight off a lingering cough that will not seem to go away (especially at nighttime).
I am so thankful for your prayers. I am reminded that Spurgeon said “No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.” I feel the same way. I am eternally grateful for your prayers. I know the Lord is working to bring glory to Himself. Please pray for me that I would be strong for chemo tomorrow and that the cough that I have would leave. We have several appointments the next couple weeks at the infusion center. I also will have chemo on March 27. Chemo is always on Mondays! I love y’all and am thankful for you being on this journey with me.
Grace and Peace,
Melissa
Praying 🙏 for you, Melissa. Your words are powerful as they display the strength of the Lord. Love ❤️ and hugs. Love, Carrie Fuller
My so-brave friend. You continue to be an inspiration of what we hope to be if/when our turn comes. Thank you and your precious Mama and family for showing us how to live our Faith by doing it. We are honored to know and love you. God Bless and keep you in the palm of His Strong Right Hand. GM Clara
Melissa, it is so great to hear your good new. I am praying for you every day, my friend. love you!
Heavenly Father, Give Melissa strength this Monday. Thank you for her testimony to you. Keep her strong and held close to you. I have nothing else to offer but this prayer for her. Heal her as only you can. Amen.
Praying for you Melissa. You're right about the power of prayer. So happy we have the only God who listens. I'll chew some gum today just thinking of you. Mr. Jim