I had surgery for pancreatic cancer on Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. I am now cancer free. Prior to the surgery, I had nine cycles of chemotherapy and 28 radiation treatments. Because of my faith in God, during the diagnosis, treatments and surgery, I experienced neither depression nor worry. God gave me the grace to meditate on and to practice the following Scriptures in the new living translation of the Bible:
Isaiah 26:3: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Philippians 4:6-8: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Prayer became a substitute for worry and anxiety. Daily I focused on and was thankful for the parts of my body that were functioning properly. I did not focus on the parts of my body that were not functioning adequately.
Shalom,
Pastor Julius R Malone
Share Your Thoughts
Are there any special coping techniques you used to help keep your focus away from depression while going through treatment? Share your comments below.
The reference that you made from Philippians 4:7 regarding a peace that surpasses all human understanding. I have that peace which I can't explain, but it truly surpasses all understanding. This peace is freely available to all Christians that believe that Jesus physically died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later to pay for all our sins past, present and future. In the bible their are many references about:
1. We are part of Gods family and He is in complete control.
2. The affect that sin has in world events, our earthly life, and how our God uses it to accomplish His Glory and power.
Finding this peace is getting into the scriptures and with prayer. What helped me was getting a good study bible. I use a Ryrie study bible and use the bible as your only belief. Talk to your pastor, bible study group or a Bible reading can assist you. The bible will actually come to life as the Holy Spirit will guide you in your spiritual growth.
You will able to say as I and the Apostle Paul says in verse 1 Corinthians 15;55-56
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where , O death is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"
Hi Pastor! I'm pleased to hear you have responded positively to treatment. Continue to trust in the Lord an keep the faith. Take care.
Thank you Pastor for your inspirational message! Jesus is my Lord and Savior, my rock! I've had a hard time lately, however, Jesus said... I will never leave you nor forsake you.... Thank God for that or I would not be where I am today without him. Praise, honor and glory to HIM. Having an excellent care team has truly been a blessing to me during this difficult time. Blessings.