Rebecca Church
I grew up going to church every Sunday but never really connected with God or the messages I was hearing. In my mid 20’s I turned my back on God, out of anger, because I could not understand why He would allow me to suffer with a painful disease. I instead started practicing an eastern philosophy and allowed that to be my comfort for 12 years. During that time, I was filled with more anxiety and worry than I had ever been before but always managed to live somewhat contently. One morning about 3 years ago I was getting ready for work and I heard a firm and loud voice in my head say, “You need to get checked”. The voice was startling and stopped me completely but I knew what it meant. That afternoon I made an appointment to see a doctor and shortly after that I found out that I had advanced stage cancer. All through my surgeries and chemo I never fully understood who that voice was that I heard that morning. Towards the end of my chemotherapy treatments, when I was starting to feel better, my daughter invited me to come to church with her. Hearing the worship songs unexpectedly moved me to tears. I felt like I was being embraced by warmth and love. I kept coming back every Sunday and really felt the gospel speak to me. It felt like I was hearing Jesus’ words for the first time, even though I had heard them many times before. I realized that it was His voice that I had heard that morning; He had saved my life that day by exposing my cancer before it became terminal, and He gave me a second chance at living. The trials God has given me in my life were all given to bring me to Himself and to strengthen my relationship with Him. I think about that often and live every day with the guidance of Jesus’ words. I will never turn my back on Him again. Now, during times of stress and worry I remain at peace knowing that God has a plan for me and while I may not know or understand His plan, I trust that His love for me is eternal. I am reminded of God’s love for me when I think of His words that have helped me through some stressful times. Joshua 1:9 –- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”