Anxious About Anything?

Dear Friends,
Over the past six weeks Bonnie has been riding an emotional roller coaster. It all started when a couple of numbers in a blood panel came in outside the normal range. Her physician referred her to hematology. Going against my own best advice, I checked WebMD.com to see what the variance might indicate. Three possible conditions were identified: An infection, OK. An allergy, also OK. The third option — not OK — the
“C” word, cancer. Cause for concern.

The weeks until her consult with the hematologist seemed to drag by. Finally, the day came, and she was ushered into an exam room where a wonderful Christian doctor started to explain what the numbers meant and laid out the options. Bonnie could wait several months and retake the blood test, or she could undergo a full-body X-ray and a bone marrow aspiration. The wait-and-test option sounded OK until Bonnie glanced at the computer screen and saw the word ALERT! In bold red letters. More concern.

It wasn’t until she was on the cold metal table of the X-Ray, with the lighted cross mark on her tummy, that Bonnie felt the full impact of what was going on. The words of Philippians came to her mind and she wondered if it really was possible to not be anxious.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

When we face serious challenges, especially when it comes to our health or the health of our loved ones, it’s natural to be anxious; it’s part of being human. Even Jesus, in his humanity, was anxious as he prayed in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Feelings aren’t a measure of faith; it’s how you deal with them. In Psalm 139, David asks God to search him and to know his anxious thoughts. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23

A few days after her bone scan, we happened to see an article that reported that on the You Version app., Isaiah 41:10 was the most read Bible verse in 2018. Bonnie wrote this verse on her prayer journal, and it became a source of encouragement.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

On the day of the bone marrow test, we paused to pray before Bonnie went into the treatment room. “Regardless of the outcome,” she prayed, “Know that I love you, Lord and will never walk away.” During the procedure, the words of an old hymn came to her mind. “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19

The hematologist said it would be two or three weeks until we’d have the results, but he didn’t think there would be anything to worry about. Of course, things don’t always turn out the way we want them to. Sometimes the test comes back positive; sometimes the loved one doesn’t get better. We may not understand, but we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Are you anxious? Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Verse for this Week: Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Blessing,
Your Friends in Christ