“Hello, God?”

Out of the depths I have cried to you, Yahweh.

Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions. Psalm 130:1-2 (WEB)

It shall happen that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.    Isaiah 65:24 (WEB)

I just read today that Amy, wife of Phil Mickelson’s (arguably the #2 golfer in the world) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer is no respecter of anyone! Cancer does not care if you are a young child or a genius or champion. I do not believe there is a more frightening word than “cancer”.

In my years as a hospice nurse or as the mother of a child with cancer, when cancer strikes it is an immediate drop into a deep pit of fear and despair. It is from this depth that you cry out to the One who can do something! I have said it many times and continue to stand by it: It is fear that you battle – the cancer is secondary. From the moment that the word is ‘cancer’ is said to you or one you love, every bit of faith you have cultivated comes into play. It is not paranoia or pessimism that has me counseling people to build their relationship with God now instead of “getting round to it some day”. Wrestle with God today on any questions or areas of disbelief. God is ready to meet now. Wrestling with God on an issue and battling cancer and it’s ‘Big Brother Fear’ is not the way to do it!

Teddy Roosevelt said to “walk softly but carry a big stick”! Look at God’s promise in Isaiah. BEFORE I cried out of my pit of fear and despair – GOD HEARD AND ANSWERED! God has given that promise and His promises are always true! I can walk quietly in the confidence that nothing takes God by surprise! Nothing!

“But if God knew this was going to happen – why did He allow it?” I do not believe that God created cancer or any other suffering. But I do believe that He is after all GOD. Nothing can happen against His will. I am not taking the easy way out of this question but this is too big a question for me. It is a question that is about God’s eternal plan and I do not have the ability to have that answer. It is a question that I have asked. It is a question that I felt only God could answer. Since His plan for each person is for each person – only God can give His answer to me! And God’s answer is going to be for my question – not yours. His answer may not come immediately and it may not be a total answer given in one moment. It may come in parts in various conversations you have with Him.

Whether you are going through a cancer battle yourself or are praying for someone you love – know that before you speak – God hears and answers. Let us stop now and lay our petitions before Him and include Amy Mickelson.