Day 7 – March 11, 2025

There are times in life when we hit a surprisingly sharp curve.   In 2017 an ominous mammogram led to an immediate ultrasound.   Although both tests had been conducted at the end of what had been a normal Tuesday, I was told the doctor would be in touch with me very soon. 

The immediacy of the situation heightened my anxiety.   The following morning, I was told a biopsy was scheduled for me the next day.  The news hit hard and fast.  The curve had taken me “off road” and I was landing in the wilderness. 

Fear was like a wild stalking beast ready to consume me.  This multi-headed monster was growling all the possibilities of horrific treatments and death.  Could I walk the talk of my faith in the face of this beast?

I prayed honestly about my anxiety, groaning, and trepidation. How could I get through this?   The Spirit led me to Psalm 34.   These verses stood out.  “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy… (Ps 34: 4-5 NLT).  

I had one of my answers.  I felt a relief and an assurance that God would be with me.   I could walk the days ahead fearlessly and joyfully. 

The biopsy confirmed I had triple-negative breast cancer. And God was with me.   He gave me consolation through my loving husband, Woody, family, friends, and an excellent medical team.  These were my angels. I was surrounded by steadfast love and being upheld by the Spirit.

I may not have been fearless and joyful all the time, but the promise of answered prayers, and the support of those who loved me, sustained me, and gave me the strength to overcome my fears, face down the beast, and walk in faith toward recovery and wholeness.   

I was out of the wilderness and ready for the road ahead.

– Myra Sanderson

Prayer: Healing God, be with us in the waiting, anxiety, diagnoses, procedures, and in the healing. Be with our families and friends as they work to be the angels attending us in our times of need.  Give us the words, the emotions, and the maturity to tackle our anxieties head-on and in faith that you are with us always. Strengthen our resolve for all the things we must face and stay beside us every step of the way. Amen.