I had a CT scan this week. It is the last of the tests to see if my cancer has been defeated. It’s been a long hard year and a real struggle. But today is also the last opportunity I have to praise God before knowing the results of the scan. You see, I’m still having unexplained pain in my lower back. It’s different from the usual everyday stuff. And as you know my beloved mom-in-law had breast cancer too and seemed to be improving. Then suddenly her back began to hurt. Sadly the cancer had moved there with a vengeance, eventually taking her life. So I can’t help but wonder.
However, today is the day I can praise the Lord and trust Him ahead of time, no matter what the test reveals. It’s not that I am sure He has taken the cancer away. Many good people with much more faith than I, have died of the nasty stuff; like my sweet mom-in-law. Instead, my faith rests in the goodness of God. He alone is wise and holy and knows the best path for me. So today I will praise Him.
During the past year some of my best encouragement has come from the Psalms. The folks who wrote those words were just regular Joes like me with all kinds of problems. When I saw these words, I wondered if the writer had been watching the last year of my life.
Psalm 107:18-21 says, “They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door. ‘LORD, help! They cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent out His word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. Let them praise the LORD for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them!”
Author Philip Yancey says, “Confidence in what the Lord will do springs from the knowledge of what He has done.” When I recall the goodness of God in my past, His lovingkindness, and His many answers to prayer, it fills me with confidence that no matter what the future holds, I can trust Him.
Though my body is weak, my faith is small and my brain is tired, my heart can’t help but praise Him. For His unfailing love is higher than the heavens! His faithfulness reaches to the clouds! [from Ps. 108:4]
Lest you misunderstand, let me tell you what you already know. I am no saint. However, this is not my first rodeo.
Obviously.
But this one thing I’ve learned.
The Lord can be trusted.
“‘LORD help!’ they cried in their trouble and He saved them from their distress.
He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.
What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor!” –Psalm 107:28-30
When I look at my trial as an opportunity to trust Him, it feels like victory rather than defeat. And like the regular Joe begging Jesus for help I pray,
“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” –Mark 9:24
Beloved reader, may the storm you are navigating today be calmed to a whisper and the waves be stilled. And may the stillness in your soul be a blessing worthy of praise and thanksgiving.
PS:
Special thanks to my daddy Seabert Pittman who took the beautiful pictures used in my story. He has an appreciation for every sunset and sunrise God gives, and also an eye for contrasting darkness with light… just like the Lord. As our Father says, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” –Psalm 30:5
Also, I got a call from my oncologist before I put this story out. The CT scan revealed a cyst on my liver but she does not believe it is cancer. I will have an MRI on July 14th. So again we wait, and walk by faith.
Prayers for your journey.
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Your prayers are definitely needed and appreciated! Thank you!
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I love you Lynna…. you are such an encouragement to me! I will be praying!
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Love and appreciate you too Tonya! Always an encouragement!
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I am praising Him too! I’m so thankful for you! Thankful you use the gift of writing He gave you and share with us. You keep praising and writing and I will keep praising and praying! Love ❤️ you!
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Thank you so very much my sweet friend! Love you too!
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I’m not sure if you ever wonder if anyone ever actually reads your blog… I do! I so enjoy your lighthearted stories and openness into your life situation. But most of all I get joy out of reading how you associate God’s truth and word into daily life! I admire your faith, your strength, and your determination.
Both your words and the pictures in today’s blog post are beautiful and encouraging… Praise God!
I also appreciate your majesty of sunrises and sunsets.
Praying your new test comes back with positive results ( perhaps I should say negative results… But I think you know what I mean … Praying for good news).
God bless you!
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God bless you too Donna! Thank you for your kind comments. What an encouragement!
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Praising God for you and your friendship, dear friend. Praying God allowed you to kick cancer’s butt…and may He grant you Many more sunrises and sunsets. You have many more stories to write. I love you!
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I love you too dear Carolyn. Thanks for all your prayers!
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I love you lady bug and I love your strength and all of the guotes you preach. You amaze me and your faith in God is the highest it could be. Thank you for helping me with the little things. I appreciate you. Hugs and kisses 😘
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Love you too dear Nancy! I know you understand the struggle of illness and how weary it can be. Stay strong my friend!
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Love you and praying foe you!!!! Always asking Hannah about you at church!!
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Sure do appreciate it Tina!
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Our faith is the source of our strength. Hang tight for He is ever with us!
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Yes He is Judy! Thank you!
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You definitely amaze me with your ability to praise God in the middle of the unknown circumstances! I hope I would have just a little of the faith that you do as you go through this heartbreaking situation! Prayers and love!
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Thank you Terri!
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Sweet Lynna. You are such and encouragement to others while going thru your own journey! You encourage us to be more faithful and true everyday. I love you Lynna Clark!!
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Love you too sweet JT!
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Your faith is amazing! In my prayers for a cyst that can be easily treated, and NO remnants of cancer! Love your writing.
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I sure appreciate your prayers and kind comments Glenda! Thank you so much!
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DEAR LYNNA, as one who’s been down this hard road, i wonder if your scan included the area of your back where you’ve had pain, and if you’ve told your oncologist about it so s/he can check it out — you didn’t say. i am praying for a NED scan (no evidence of disease) and for God to bless you abundantly. they don’t call it “scanxiety” for nothing! keep smiling, and thank you for giving us your gift of hope and good humor. you are a blessing.
love the photos; your dad sure does know how to wait for just the right light. what an awesome and beautiful creation God has made for us.
OOPS! i skimmed over the last paragraph and missed where you got a call from your oncologist. you didn’t say, but besides the liver spot everything was clear?. hoping and praying right along with you that it’s just a harmless cyst.
“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.”
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is thy faithfulness!”
best of luck with your MRI. have a fabulous fourth!
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Amen Amen dear Marjorie! Yes! All clear except for the cyst.
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Praying for you my dear sweet sister! I have always loved you and desire the best for you. You are such an inspiration to me and many. So many prayers for your comfort and healing. Thanks for your candid honesty and helping others as they also walk your path.HUGS!!!
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So kind dear Crystal! Thankful for Chris’ good report too! Praising God with you! Much love from Clarkville. =)
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Love you so much Lynna. I am crying reading your sweet message today. I’m speechless most days as I know we aren’t in control.
I miss our lives and I miss the pain free days. . I know we aren’t suppose to be in this pain.
I am praying for you to have a good report.
Xoxoxoxo
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