“Mom has cancer,” I told my children as I gathered them together after a trip to the doctor. “Is Mom going to die?” they asked. Amid the tears, hugs, and feeble attempts to comfort them, I confronted God: “You want me to give thanks for this?” At each chemo treatment that left her weak, pale, and wracked with nausea, “Give thanks?” As I observed each radiation treatment and drove her home to rest, “Did you really expect me to thank You for this?” I brushed her hair and clumps fell out, “Give thanks?” My children are watching their suffering mother and I am losing my life-long partner and I am supposed to give thanks?”

Despite all of the doubts and fears, my children and I prayed. And yes, we gave thanks and placed our trust in Him for complete healing. In the midst of our doubts, my wife was a stronghold of faith, listening to praise music with healing themes, researching and writing down healing-laden Scriptures in her journal, and praying. And through her prayers (and the many prayers of others), God answered.

“Give thanks in all circumstances.” We did and we can because God is in those circumstances.

-- A Believer in Prayer
Tacoma, WA

I wanted to express my thanks to my dad for sharing this story – the story of God’s intervention in my mom’s battle with breast cancer and our family’s battle against the spiritual realm.

As I reflect on that time, 15 years ago, I now realize that my dad is right. The sentiments of insecurity and uncertainty we shared began to wane as we saw for ourselves a transformation in my own mother’s response to the Spirit at work. Her faithfulness and diligence to caring for her own spiritual well being despite what was happening in the physical was and remains an amazing testimony to the power of intercessory prayer. As countless people breathed words towards heaven, God listened. He intervened not only to test and grow the faith of my mom, but also to do the same of those who were influenced by her. He used a sick woman to build up and help the spiritually sick around her. This is the mark of a loving and good God who finds value in and makes valuable all of humanity.

What is your response when the finality of a loved one’s life is threatened? What is your response when, through God’s goodness, he provides miraculous healing? Is it the same? The God I believe in is unchanging, no matter the circumstance. His character has withstood the test of time! Give thanks to God, for he is good! His love endures forever!