The Psalmist David said unto God, ""It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I may learn thy statutes" (
Psalm 119:71).
From David's words I realize that being afflicted with a deadly, incurable disease will serve to accomplish one of two things in the lives of those that are inflicted: it will either "drive" them to a closer walk with God and faith in the principles contained in His written Word, or it will cause them to become "hardened" and withdraw even farther from God.
I am reminded of the recent news which told of a young woman whose diagnosis of inoprerable brain cancer caused her to change her residency from California to Oregon, because there it is legal for a physican to prescribe medications which would enable her to, in essence, commit suicide as a means of escaping the debilitating pain "anticipated" as a result of being inflicted with this disease. And if memory serves me correctly, she did just that just nineteen days ago. I think they call such an act "death with dignity" or some such phrase.
Almost 18 months ago I was also diagnosed with an inoperable disease in which there are no known medical remedies, and which has a mortality rate of 100%. In fact, I was encouraged to even accept Hospice care to assist me ikn whatever way might be required as I contended with the affects of the DUAL diseases of Idopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema, to which I declined and to date have managed daily living beyond even my expectations.
And, like the young woman I've mentioned, I was also presented with a choice: to take steps to end my life and thereby forego whatever pain and suffering might lie within my future, or I could draw closer to God and seek His guidance and comfort, and yes, perhaps even a complete healing if that is what He deemed best for me. I chose the latter.
Since that moment when I chose to live whatever number of days, or perhaps even years the Lord would allow, which seems as if it were only yesterday, I've been exceedingly blessed. Except for the usual aches and pains that are a "natural" part of age (after all, I am almost 76 years young), the only debilitating thing that I've experienced is a loss of stamina which severely restricts my mobility.
My appetite has remained normal, my breathing, with Oxygen therapy 24/7, of course, has continued to remain at normal levels, and most importantly, my intellectual abilities have not diminished which has allowed me to continue to enjoy dialogue with others about God and the principles inherent in His written Word. With the utilization of a motorized scooter I am able to enjoy a reasonable degree of mobility, attend church activities (as the weather allows), and even be an integral part of a weekly Bible Study group (a dear friend transports me back and forth to it).
Indeed, I feel most blessed of God to be able to do all of these things, and do not hesitate to give Him the credit for each new day in which I am able to enjoy my family, friends, and others which would never have been possible had I elected to take the same course as the young woman that I mentioned. And while it is not been granted to me the privilege or right to condemn her for her decision to end her life instead of reliance on God for His help, and possibily even healing (whatever her eternal fate will be is His alone to decide), I'm just so thankful to Him for being alive at this very moment.
Also being continually sustained by the prayers of countless others, I'm happy to be able to say, most heartedly, "Today is the greatest day of my life!"
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