Packing Faith

She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7

I watched my friend as she walked into the hospital this week. She was entering a battle she never imagined fighting.

As I parked the car, I prayed, “Please, Lord…”

Her bags were stuffed for a several-week stay. She carried a heavy load in her luggage, but even more so in her mind and heart. Cancer does that.

What she carried, which could not be seen, was her Faith. Her Faith had been proven time and time again. It made her the strong woman she is today.

The scriptures remind her of who God is in her life. Her history with God has proven His word to be true. Her life hasn’t been easy, but God has been faithful.

I sought the Lord and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4

She knows the scriptures, which are full of hope and comfort. During this part of her journey, they will become soft pillows at night and life vests during the day.

My friend can name a hymn in five notes. She knows the words to just about every Bill Gaither song. So many times, she raised her hand as she sang “The Goodness of God.”

As a child, she chose to be a follower of Jesus. Her faith would give her strength she never knew was possible or that she would need.

In the days ahead, she will need to remember the times she has seen God’s goodness, especially in the hard places.

Today, her gratitude sits with her sorrow there in that hospital room. We both question, “Why God?” Why this? Why now?

Why do bad things happen to good people? The truth is … I don’t know. I’ve asked that question time and time again, throughout my adult life. Even without an answer, I’ve held onto my Faith, and so has my friend.

Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard

As I sat in that hospital room this week watching doctors, nurses, and therapists come and go, I saw it – the Goodness of God. I heard their soft, caring words describing what the next few weeks would be like. They reassured her they would walk this journey alongside her and help her fight this battle.

Even as I write, the chemo drugs are being administered. They will rage against the cancer. I pray my friend feels the love and prayers of all of us who love her.

This is hard. I want to make it all better for her. I brought her a small soft blanket and prayed over it. Later, I’ll head to the store to purchase some of her favorite healthy candy bars. I told her I was not familiar with healthy ones. We laugh.

Sometimes, we sit in silence. Words don’t have to be spoken. Sometimes, it’s just our presence that speaks volumes. When I turned over my calendar and looked at June, I saw nothing on my agenda for three weeks. That never happens. On Friday, I got the call. I knew God had kept those days open so I could be there with my friend.

I admit I have asked God why, told Him it’s unfair, and been angry. The Bible tells me Job asked why, as did David, Habakkuk, and others. We may not be given answers to the questions, but we are taught who God is. I’m no theologian. I’ve just lived long enough and been through enough to know that I know – God is a good God.

Even my anger does not surprise God. God’s way of thinking is not my way. Scripture tells me not to lean on my understanding.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:3-5 NIV

Faith was packed on Tuesday. It was invisible but beautiful.

I believe we will see the Goodness of God in many ways. You may even hear us singing on the sixth floor of the hospital. With every breath that we are able, we will sing of the Goodness of God.

If you could whisper a prayer … Please, Lord, be with Janet’s friend, Barb.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.