N. McAuley – October 30, 2018
On October 13, 2017, I went in for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with colon cancer. The doctor said my smoking may have contributed to my cancer and certainly would interfere with my recovery from surgery. I panicked and prayed. My back was against the wall and I didn’t know what to do. I wrote in my journal, “I have to quit smoking and I cannot!” I work downtown and when I bumped into people from church and they saw me smoking, I felt ashamed because I hadn’t let go of smoking even though I had given my life to Christ a few years prior.
Five days later I went in to see my doctor. She asked how much I smoked and I hold her I had smoked for 40 years. She asked me if I needed help to quit smoking. I was silent for a moment before responding, “I will go cold turkey because I have faith in God.” She gave me a fist pump and said, “Ok. No more smoking starting tomorrow.” I agreed and walked out of her office. Then I thought, “What did I just do? I can’t quit smoking!” The next day, by the grace of God, I didn’t pick up a cigarette and have not since! That was October 19, 2017.
A few days after I quit, it occurred to me that I quit before I “planned” to, but it was exactly when God planned. I believe the Holy Spirit worked through my doctor to get me to quit; the Holy Spirit can use anyone, at any time. I had many strong motivations over the years to quit including both my parents passing away from lung cancer coupled with my mother’s deathbed wish for me to quit smoking. I was not, and am not able to quit smoking on my own. The Lord did it! He delivered me; he gets all the glory! It was the power of Christ in me. Honestly, I still have cravings to this day, but I see God’s face and I hear Him saying to me, “You’re done with that. No more.”
On January 16, 2018, I had a right hemicolectomy. One foot of my colon with the tumour inside and 24 surrounding lymph nodes was removed. Three weeks later I followed up with my surgeon. He said the pathology showed all 24 lymph nodes had ZERO cancer! He referred me to the cancer centre for further treatment. They phoned me a week later to inform me that after discussing my case they decided there was no evidence suggesting I need further treatment. Two more follow up appointments, as well as a CT scan have shown no return of the cancer.
From the very beginning of these challenges, I’ve been very blessed to have had many prayers said on my behalf for healing and God’s favour. In one instance, during Prayer and Fasting, the entire congregation laid hands on me and prayed for me. It was a very powerful experience! My Lord and my King answered those prayers by performing an awesome work in me by healing my cancer and delivering me from my 40-year habit! Praise God!
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