Journey of the Sparrow: June 2023

Yesterday I had a biopsy of the adrenal mass. Though not a surprise to me, and definitely not to God, the results show a return of the sarcoma. God’s grace has been, and will be sufficient for me and His power will be made perfect in my weakness as the Apostle Paul well testifies to in II Corinthians 12.

The next step appears to be another trip to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. My sarcoma is extremely rare and my oncologist would like me to go there for a consultation to see if they have any new recommendations. Any treatments they recommend (that I agree to) will be done here at home. Thank you for continued prayers.

I have contemplated many hymns today, but also the first question/answer of the Heidelberg Catechism. The answer to this question is truly my continuing comfort. May it be yours also!

What is your only comfort in life and death?

That I am not my own, ¹

but belong with body and soul,

both in life and in death, ²

to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. ³

He has fully paid for all my sins

with his precious blood, ⁴

and has set me free

from all the power of the devil. ⁵

He also preserves me in such a way ⁶

that without the will of my heavenly Father

not a hair can fall from my head; ⁷

indeed, all things must work together

for my salvation. ⁸

Therefore, by his Holy Spirit

he also assures me

of eternal life ⁹

and makes me heartily willing and ready

from now on to live for him. ¹⁰

1.1 Cor 6:19, 20.

2.Rom 14:7-9.

3.1 Cor 3:23; Tit 2:14.

4.1 Pet 1:18, 19; 1 Jn 1:7; 2:2.

5.Jn 8:34-36; Heb 2:14, 15; 1 Jn 3:8.

6.Jn 6:39, 40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5.

7.Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18.

8.Rom 8:28.

9.Rom 8:15, 16; 2

It has been years since I have added to the blog of my cancer journey. God has been very gracious to me over those years. I was given three years to live by doctors specializing in my rare sarcoma back in 2010. Yet here I am today overwhelmed by God’s goodness and steadfast love! Though the cancer did return in 2013 I have not had a recurrence since and have lived to see twelve living grandchildren (and two awaiting me in heaven). I am truly blessed.

A cancer screening a few weeks ago indicated that the cancer may have returned. Further testing showed a mass above my left kidney on/or near the adrenal gland that is suspected to be a new primary tumor. The day I learned that I read in my daily devotions where Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” How much less should I pray?

I am scheduled for a biopsy on the 27^th of this month. I covet prayer. I have peace whatever the results may be. I do ask that you pray God would grant wisdom for myself and the doctors through this process.

I have posted this prayer below previously, but am refreshed by it today.

Praying the Psalms Through Cancer

God is my refuge and my strength

A very present help in the time of trouble!

Though my body may fail me,

Though the cancer one day rise up against me,

Though pain should overwhelm me,

Yet He will never leave me or forsake me. (Psalm 46)

I will be still and know that He is God

He will be exalted among the nations

And He will be exalted even in me!

He is the LORD of Hosts,

He is the God of His people. (Psalm 46)

He will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)

He surrounds me with His steadfast love.

Totally undeserved, it is abounding,

His mercy is great beyond all understanding.

It is inexhaustible. (Numbers 14)