Our Times Are in His Hands

“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand.” Psalm 31:14—15

Last night my husband and I were privileged to attend a healing service for a friend with leukemia. She had a bone marrow transplant in March but it did not eliminate her aggressive cancer cells, and they are quickly multiplying. At the recommendation of a doctor at one of the finest hospitals in the country, she has made a most courageous decision to receive palliative care rather than participate in a trial which will likely rob her of quality of life, and which is not expected to add to her days. She only wants to spend time with her husband and three beautiful children, sailing and travelling while she still feels so well. Looking at her last night, I couldn’t believe she was the same frightened woman that I met almost a year ago. She now exudes strength and peace and praises God for His goodness, telling me how wonderful it is that God can and will take care of her family without her. We talked about the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus during this trial and trusting, trusting, trusting. We don’t know how it could possibly be God’s will for her to leave her family so soon. We don’t know what good could ever come from her early death. We don’t know why God has not healed her when it is SO easy for Him to do so! We tried to reason it out, but ultimately had to surrender and say, “We just don’t know…. But God does…. And He is faithful.” And so we read the Psalms, and then we prayed, prayed, prayed for her full and complete healing.

Lord, you are the God who heals all our diseases. You have healed countless times throughout history and even in our time. In Your great mercy, Lord, heal my friend. Heal her completely and grant her many more years, just as you did for your servant Hezekiah. Extend her life for the sake of Your Son and for Your glory. Show us Your amazing glory, Lord. We praise You and honor You and thank You, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.