Where Should We Place Our Faith?
by Mary Haskett
Where should we place our faith? There is an obvious answer to this question for any Christian. Recently diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder and told I would have to take a heavy duty drug to keep it under control, I went into fear mode instead of exercising faith for my situation. Irregularity had shown up on blood work some eight years previous; however since I felt fine my “then” doctor decided not to investigate further. My new doctor told me she wanted to find out why and sent me to hematology-hence the diagnosis and the very real threat of unpleasant consequences down the road if not treated. After doing extensive research on the recommended drug, and reading of the horrid side effects, fear went into even higher gear, and not only that, I pouted and asked God why? “Why do you allow this wretched disorder in my body?” Then I thought of Paul’s thorn in the flesh and wished I could be as stalwart as he. (2ndCorinthians 12:7-9)
My thoughts were ordered of the Lord, when later in the week, a good friend popped into my mind. I had shared with her my reluctance to take the drug. I decided to fire off an email and ask her how she was doing. She answered immediately.
She wrote, I’m not doing too badly, although the radiation does make me tired. She was going through chemo and radiation for bilateral breast cancer. How are you? she asked. Have you made a decision about your prescribed medication? And suddenly I felt ashamed. She told me to keep Mark 16:18, in mind, when Jesus said,“…and if they drink any deadly thing it will not hurt them:… ” My good friend exercised faith and her burden was so heavy, and I who had expounded on faith many times, verbally and in my writings, now wavered. I know God prompted my friend, and my daughter later on, to remind me of this verse.
I’ve been on the medication now for four weeks, with minimal side effects. I’m smiling.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I will experience situations that will test my faith. Please forgive me for allowing fear to enter my mind. May I look to You and trust You for every trial that comes my way.
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Mary Haskett
Mary is a writer and speaker. Since becoming a Christian she has served as Director of Women’s ministries, Singles Fellowship, counseling and prayer.
She is a member of The The Word Guild. and Inscribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship. Mary is the founder of Ready Writers, London
Her book Reverend Mother’s Daughter was a finalist in the 2008 Word Guild of Canada Awards and won an IPPY award in the states. Her second book Because We Prayed was released last year. She has had many articles published and has been a regular contributor to the community publication Christian Life in London. You can visit her on her website.
