Luke 4:31-37 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit
31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.
My husband has cancer. To see the PET scan showing the mass in the middle of his chest and the other places it had spread was a frightening experience. A PET scan looks a little like an X-ray excepting where there is cancer. If cancer is present, it lights up with an almost blinding light---it’s as if some alien creature has somehow managed to be introduced into his body and is replicating.
There was never any discussion between us on what needed to be done. Dave just said, “Get it out of there—start chemo as soon as possible.” There is comfort in the words, “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.”
Dave is now half-way through the chemo process. Chemo is a very mixed blessing. It is part demon and part miracle. While it is certainly doing the job of ridding him of cancer, his body is being thrown down in the process. It remains to be seen if cancer will “come out without injuring him”.
He has been fortunate that he hasn’t been nauseous yet. Nor has he had trouble sleeping with night sweats. The hair loss is annoying but tolerable. Mostly he has been affected by extreme fatigue accompanied by intestinal issues.
It's Spring now and we are mentally ready to get out to the Botanical Garden, travel to our daughters’ homes, but I’m reminded of Jesus’ words, “’Be quiet,’ Jesus said sternly.” Let the miracles of chemo work---don’t rush it. His body is weak. Be quiet. Let the healing happen.
Dear God, We need to remember whatever we are struggling with, we have Jesus by our side to help us. Please give us patience, strength and faith as we fight our battles. When we become impatient with the pace of change, remind us to "Be Quiet" and let God help. Amen
PET scan images are from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PET-CT
PET scan images are from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PET-CT
Jaclyn Morgan
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