As a hurricane approaches, forecasters can pinpoint its track and the exact location of landfall. The latest technology is utilized to warn the population of impending danger. There is usually a tiny window by which escape is possible. Those who heed the early warnings and evacuate, escape the brunt of attack. Others, not willing to comply, often pay with their property...and even their lives.
There are early warning signs of most diseases, including cancer. The percentages of those who observe early detection guidelines have a better outcome when disease is detected. Modern medicine has discovered many excellent measures of preventing some of the extreme ravages of cancer and even death. My victory over cancer proves that both medical intervention and faith in God work hand in hand.
What does one do when the Heavens are brass and God is silent?
I tried to read the Bible, but it was difficult to concentrate. I was clinging to a promise. The God I loved and served promised life, not sickening chemicals and burning sores from radiation. In the midst of that turbulence, something profoundly simple settled my spirit. According to His Word, He would not—He could not—forsake me, even though I was confused and disheartened. The knowledge of His Word was still embedded within my spirit, though my flesh was weak. It’s amazing! The promise that I received, alone in my bedroom, continued ministering to me and calmed my anxiety. Still, my feelings vacillated wildly, because the sequence of events did not comply with my faith-plan. My soul remained anchored to the rock, even as the storm was raging.
The prayers of countless people ascended to the Father on my behalf. Only eternity will reveal the significance of prayer. I depended upon my family’s spiritual insight and unwavering faith. They were united in wanting me to follow Dr. Fisher’s plan. Still, surrendering to chemotherapy and radiation was appalling to me.
There is an old saying: “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” Fear of the chemicals and radiation was overwhelming. All of the horror stories I had ever heard about their side effects haunted me. Thankfully, fortification against the evil imagination of the enemy came by the daily renewing of my mind. Every page I read in God’s Word encouraged me to seek higher ground...to run to Jesus. By His grace, I would rise above the fear.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2 - NKJV)
One week, following the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, I was at home alone. My mind was consumed with one thing: what to tell the doctor. I started reading about Jesus’ miracles in the Gospels. It became so clear: the growing cancer in my body was only part of the problem. Deadly chains of doubt and fear must be broken. The Bible says, “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 - NIV).
The story of a blind man and the mud captured my imagination.
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was.
Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”
“How then were your eyes opened?” they demanded.
He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” (John 9:1-11 (NIV)
When Jesus and His disciples came upon the blind man, they inquired, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Those who walked the dusty roads with Jesus wanted to know the reason for the problem. Human nature wants to affix blame when things go wrong. We want immediate answers. The disciples were curious.
Notice Jesus’ response to the question: “...that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” The answer was simple and to the point. It is a proven fact that much sickness is a result of sinful living or irresponsible lifestyles. There is a price to pay for choices made. Seeds sown will bring a harvest, good or bad. That is no excuse to condemn other people. We should not judge another person or falsely accuse them. The reason and purpose for their mud is God’s business.
The blind man literally came face to face with Jesus, and he was in worse condition than before. He was still blind, and dirty. Jesus told him to go to the pool in that condition. Some historians say it was about a two mile journey. He had to walk that great distance, all the while being harassed by the shrill voices of the naysayers.
Why would Jesus, who was God in the flesh, send a blind man on a journey that was so inconvenient? Getting to the pool was a huge challenge. He could have healed him then and there. Hadn’t the blind man suffered long enough?
His neighbors, the Pharisees, ridiculed him and criticized Jesus for performing a miracle on the Sabbath. Even his parents were afraid to speak for fear of the Jews. The spirit of fear is not a new thing. The devil plays the same old tricks these days. His game is to spoil the works of righteousness. Anything that glorifies the Father is against the enemy of our souls.
The blind man was healed when he washed in the pool. Hallelujah! Forget the mud. Forget the cruel ridicule. Forget all of the inconvenience in making his way to the pool. Forget the embarrassment of his parents. He could see! Nothing else really mattered.
Jesus healed in John 9 and Jesus heals today. The words of the healed man said it all: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)
The details of this story left me with one distinct question: what was the significance of the mud? It baffled me that Jesus did not heal the blind man instantly. Spitting on the ground was a strange thing to do. Jesus putting mud on the blind man’s eyes was uncommon, but it stirred me. The Healer’s hands touched the exact point of pain. Jesus zeroed-in on the problem. These impressions were taking form within my imagination as I sat in my recliner. I couldn’t shake the story.
I don’t understand much about this story. I am curious, like the disciples. I wish I could just have a talk with Jesus right now and ask a few questions.
The scenario of the past week played over in my mind like a movie. I recalled the euphoria of discovering Psalm 119:116. Only a few days later the bottom fell out. Doubt opened the door and fear walked right in. By the grace of God, I revolted against that negative spirit. I absolutely would not allow it to rule me.
That poor blind man; all he wanted was his sight. But, Jesus required him to go to the pool and wash. He was such a brave soul and he immediately obeyed the Master. Consequently, he made it to the pool and went on his way...healed.
Waiting was hard. I was becoming very weary in the drawn-out process. Emotions were running rampant and questions screamed.
Jesus, what do you want me to do? Why do I feel sorry for myself, simply because I don’t have an answer?