(guest post by Matt)
I was about 30 minutes removed from publishing the last post when MJ, Stephanie’s surgeon, showed up in the waiting room to talk to me. It took me a second to process it because she had shown up so soon. She told me that Stephanie was all done with the surgery. MJ was able to remove a large (and I mean large. Like, massive) tumor from Stephanie. Here’s the praise for answered prayer: this beast of a tumor was NOT attached to Stephanie’s colon! God has heard and answered our prayers and it bears repeating, God is GOOD!
The tumor, however, was attached to one of Stephanie’s ovaries, so that one had to go. A small price to pay in comparison to the battle we find ourselves in. As an artist, I’m about as far away from a medical mind as one can be. However, through this journey, if I’ve learned anything about this type of cancer, it’s this: this type of cancer plays dirty. It has no moral code, it has no manners, it doesn’t care about your circumstance or how you feel. It is evil. It grows and it grows relentlessly. But this is no match for the greatness of our God. No matter the circumstance, no matter how backed up on the wall you are, if you have breath in your lungs you keep fighting, you keep swinging and you never give up.
As God’s children, we’re often oblivious to how He’s working in us or if He’s even working in us at all. God is relentless in the pursuit of His children. He knew each and every one of us before we even knew ourselves. We, as small and minuscule as we are in comparison to the universe, were on His mind from the very start. He knew that Stephanie and I would be here on this day, and He knew that by having us here, He would be glorified.
God is working and He is making miracles happen. That’s what He does. He’s in the miracle business. When someone needs a miracle, there’s no one else to turn to. He’s the Great Physician, Healer, everything. As for Stephanie, she is off to get a PET scan (NOT a CT scan) to make sure there are no other visible traces of cancer, and so I find myself in a different waiting room. I got to see her in between surgery and the scan, and she was still smiling, full of spirit (and morphine), yet she was glowing as if Jesus physically performed the surgery Himself. God’s at work in this girl and for that I’m forever thankful to Him, and also to all of you for your prayers, thoughts, and words of support and encouragement. Even the smallest Facebook “like” doesn’t go unnoticed. We value each and every one of you.
I’ll likely blog again today, but be encouraged, friends. God has heard our prayers and will continue to do so. To close, since it’s Jimmy V week, I leave you with this:
“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up!” — Jim Valvano
Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV)
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Praise God for this wonderful report!!!!
I can’t begin to express how grateful to God I am that you married my daughter!
This is amazing news Matt & Steph! Stay strong!
Thank you for letting us share your lives and in this miracle….! i am sure God is smiling, too!
Great news, praying for the PET scan. Thanks for updating so regularly. God be praised.
So pleased for you, this is brilliant news!
Thanks for the good word! We’re still praying for you all. To God be the glory!!
First let me start off…..PRAISE GOD!!! Second, Matt you are an amazing writer what a talent. I totally agree with Kathie, than you for sharing your lives in this journey. You both are so strong, keep it up, God is definitely smiling!
Thanks for the good word! We’re still praying. Glory to God!!
Rejoicing with you Matt and Stephanie. We will not stop praying and believing for God’s Mighty Hand to MOVE THE MOUNTAIN!
Praising God for His Goodness!!!! You two are really warriors and such an encouragement and testimony to Ron and I! Love you guys!
Praise to the Great Healer! And while I’m sure He gets all the credit in your lives, and in these lovely posts (truly beautifully written by BOTH of you!) I will say that God created a strong one in Stephanie…she is well loved and supported by a terrific family and group of friends who are all strong BELIEVERS. This is a family, so strong in faith and spirit, that brought me back from a not promising future by reminding me that God was in control…that was many years ago, but I’ll be FOREVER grateful to Rick, Denise, and all of their beautiful children!!
PRAISE for this AMAZING news!!! I can’t imagine how you all feel right now, but I’m praying for continued strength for all of you!! <3
Thanks for the update Matt. Will continue to pray with you.
Oh, Matt! You, too, are a fabulous writer!
Delighted with the outcome of today, and praising God WITH you!!
Love to both,
Sherry
Praying and believing for a good report! God is good! Thanks for the update!
Continued prayers go your way for BOTH of you for Gods strength, power and peace! Blessings and huge HUGS to you!!
Matt – Praising God with you and Stephanie. You have an awesome gift with words. We will continue to hold you up in prayer as you continue this battle. Keep fighting and keep the faith. God is good all the time! In the midst of all the turmoil, you have a GIANT gift to thank God for.