Devotionals for the Heart: "What If?"

Removing the “What If?”
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”~ Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

By the time this blog is posted, I will have faced a yearly fear and the outcome will be known.

Each year, at the scheduled time for my mammogram, I become nervous. The reason for my nervousness and fear is because 13 years ago, I went to the doctor for a routine mammogram and the diagnosis was not what I expected. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I am very good about getting my regular checkups and mammograms. No changes had been noticed in my body and I was sure the same report would be given that year. All would be fine and an appointment for the next year would be scheduled. No problem.

Yet, that particular visit was followed by a “call back”. The nurse on the phone told me there might be something wrong with the film so I needed to have pictures taken again. No problem.

My husband drove me to the place to have the additional pictures done. We were so confident all was well and he even sat in the car in the parking lot and waited for me.

After the second set of pictures were taken, I was asked to sit in a room and wait for the doctor. Another technician came in the room and told me she would view the results right there while I waited. We chatted and all was well until her voice quieted and she said, “Mrs. Henderson, I will be right back. I need to get the doctor.” No problem, or so I thought.

As the doctor entered the room, the atmosphere changed instantly. Fears of “What if?” ran through my mind. “What if there is a problem? What if I have cancer? What if I need surgery? Should someone go get my husband? My Mother had breast cancer.” These questions and more had my heart racing.

My first instinct was fear when my first action should have been prayer. Yes, prayer came but only after fear appeared first. Why didn’t I remember to pray first? Praying always gives me comfort and peace. Yet, that time, the “What if’s?” got to me first.

The diagnosis of breast cancer, the surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and medications I still have to take provided many lessons over these past 13 years. First, remember to pray. Read God’s Word and soak in His message. Isaiah 41:10 tells us to not fear because He is our God. He will strengthen us and help us.

Yes, God strengthened me and my family. God helped us. God reminded us time and time again that He is always with us. We are blessed by His love.

I am praying this yearly mammogram will have a good report. No matter the outcome, I will lean on Him and know He is with me always.

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson

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Author Bio:

Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in South Carolina.

Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by precious grandson (Rowan).

Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.

Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.