An Ounce of Prevention

As part of the wrap up to my radiation treatments I was required to meet with my lively, professional and caring radiation oncologist. In our discussion I shared how the Lord had seen me through all of my treatment thus far. He pointed out we had done what we could to keep the cancer from coming back (through my tours into their Tomo machine - into what I liked to call the “cooker”). Reflecting on the decision to treat this way the doctor said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  My immediate excitement over his choice of words surprised him, but served to again reassure me the Lord indeed had been in this plan. This wasn't the first time I heard this old adage. 

My mind quickly to travelled back to the debate that occurred in early September over whether to take the risk of radiation so soon after surgery.  I had been vacillating about the prospect of getting “zapped.” Naturally after all the treatment I had already had experienced I wasn’t up for more. One day, on the way in to work, as I pondered whether to go forward with radiation, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” popped into my head. I concluded it was the Lord’s way of telling me to move forward and trust Him, but I had to laugh, thinking how strange the Lord would use a silly saying to make up my mind. Then again, “why not?” If the Lord used a donkey – yes a donkey to speak His will, He can use anything He wants.

The donkey belonged to a man named Balaam and as they travelled, the donkey had its eyes opened to see the Angel of the Lord withstanding Balaam and preventing him from going the wrong way. Likely accustomed to the donkey’s stubbornness and perhaps in his own arrogance, Balaam tried to insist the donkey go his way. After striking the donkey three times Balaam heard the Lord speak through the donkey. Balaam must have been in shock and awe. (Numbers 22:18-28) It’s amazing the things the Lord uses to get our attention, sometimes a donkey and sometimes an old adage. It shouldn’t be that surprising however. When considering for a moment how complex all the different pieces of creation are it's not amazing how ingenious the Creator of the universe can be!

To the reader I would appeal to the very real possibility that “an ounce of prevention” is needed in your life. If you are physically suffering in some way but reluctant to go get checked out, don’t hesitate; don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re battling a bigger problem like cancer. A risky lifestyle more often than not means paying the price physically in some way years down the road. A spiritual check-up may be what’s needed. The God of the Universe, the One Who created every living thing – the ground upon which they tread, the sky in which they fly, and the sea in which they swim has endless love for His creation. Do you know Him? Does He know you? Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14) Religion can’t save the sin-stained heart – only Jesus can. Speaking of our enemy Satan (the thief), Jesus also said; “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) If you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit wooing you to follow God and do His will, gladly take that “ounce of prevention” and reap the peace of knowing the Lord is with you, guiding and providing each step of the way.

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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