Answered Prayer

          One of the most difficult questions that is often asked is why the Lord chooses to heal some believers when He chooses to take others home earlier than expected.  For example, why did He choose not to heal my brother and several close friends when they appeared to have many more years to serve Him?  And why were so many believers taken home during the pandemic?
          On the other hand, thankfully there are many situations, some miraculous, where the Lord choses to heal. We have experienced two such situations this past week – both as answers to prayer.

          Thirty years ago, my wife developed ulcerative colitis.  The treatments have involved very expensive meds, annual colonoscopies – 24 of them, and much inconvenience and pain.
          Late in 2021 during a routine annual colonoscopy they discovered a large tumor in her colon.  She was assigned to another doctor who was skilled in removing tumors through colonoscopies.  It was felt that this procedure was successful but it was recommended that another colonoscopy be done by another doctor with different skills.  This was completed and was thought to be successful, although there was some evidence of possible precancer.

          A team of doctors was formed to consider her case.  One felt she would not survive a surgery.  A colon surgeon wanted to take out the entire colon. Her heart doctor felt her heart was strong enough for surgery.  The fourth doctor wanted to try a procedure where he would insert a special dye that would highlight any cancer.  That was the choice although it was scheduled six months earlier than originally suggested.
          We bathed the procedure in prayer and rejoiced when Dr. Betteridge came out to inform us that there was now no evidence of cancer.  The plan is to repeat this procedure … in a year.  The only problem is that the procedure created pain in her back, hip and leg.

          But the second challenge was to come just five days later when she was scheduled for an mri of her pancreas.  Five years ago they discovered cysts on her pancreas during another surgery.  So annually she must now have an mri to check on their growth.  This is more complicated because a cardiologist must be present to turn off and on her pacemaker.

          Because of her back pain the mri was very uncomfortable, but she was able to complete it.  We haven't yet talked to her specialist from Philadelphia, but early written reports indicate no cancer.  Miracle number two in less than a week.
          Sadly her back, hip and leg pain got worse and the evening following the mri, we went to orthopedic urgent care.  They did x-rays and tests and diagnosed her with inflammation.  They gave her steroids and exercises.  As of today she is beginning to feel better.  PTL!
          So we thank the Lord for His healing hand.  We're thankful for all the prayers.  We're not sure why He chose to heal her, but we guess that He still has more for us to do.   And we remain ready to respond as He leads.
          Thankfully God still hears, cares, and answers. We are experiencing that!