The Diagnosis That Led Me to Jesus

Fear immediately tried to take over my heart. My first thoughts were, "Am I going to die? How are my kids going to make it through this?" I had always believed there was a God. I didn’t go to church, and I didn’t pray much. But through this journey, I began to know Him.

As I went through countless doctor appointments, tests, and prepared for surgery, I started talking to the Lord in a way I never had before. I asked Him to walk with me on this journey, to place His healing hands over my body, and to give me strength for the days ahead. In those quiet prayers, I felt Him drawing closer to me, reminding me that I was not alone.

The morning of my surgery arrived, and instead of fear, I woke up with a calmness that could only come from Him. I knew God was with me. When I arrived at the hospital, I was overwhelmed with emotion as my family surprised me. They showed up and showed out with the most positive, uplifting energy I could have ever asked for. So many loved ones filled that waiting area like a true army of God, and I felt every prayer, every tear, and every word of encouragement covering me.

One week after surgery, still in pain but filled with gratitude, I asked my loving husband to take me to church. I wanted to say thank you to God because I knew I wouldn’t be here without Him. I knew He was there through it all. I chose Calvary because my dear friend, Maria, had been inviting me to church for 15 years. I would always decline and say, “Maybe another time.” That Sunday morning, I called her and said, "Maria, I am coming to church!" She met us at Calvary.

The church was so big. As we were finding our way to the auditorium, we were greeted by a gentleman with the biggest, warmest smile. He introduced himself as Marty. He shook my husband's hand and then gently placed his hand on my shoulder — not knowing I had just had surgery less than six days before.

I will never forget what he said: "God has brought you here for a purpose, and we're happy to have you.” He smiled and mentioned he wasn't great with names but was working on it. In that moment, we had no idea he was the pastor.

Then service began, and there he was on stage — speaking on God's purpose. As I sat there during service, hurting physically but already being healed spiritually, it all came together. In that moment, I realized that the pain I was feeling could never compare to what God had just done in my life. I knew the only reason I had made it through was because of Him.

At a service about a month later, my husband and I raised our hands and surrendered our lives to Jesus. I knew it was time to give everything to Him. I felt Him speaking to my heart, telling me, "You've come this far, and you can go much further if you give it all to Me."

On December 16, at my post-op appointment, my doctors told me I was cancer free.

God carried me through fear, surgery, and uncertainty, and He replaced it all with peace, strength, and unshakable faith. This journey didn't just heal my body — it transformed my relationship with Jesus. I no longer just believe in Him; I know Him. I trust Him. I walk with Him.

I've learned that no matter how far away you are from God, He is still right by your side. He still listens and hears you. You just need to believe that He's there.

Without this cancer diagnosis, I don't know if I would be as close to God as I am now. God was bringing me closer to Him. Now I give God my whole life because He first gave His life for me.

Father, thank You. I love You.