Dear Sister in Christ,
How would you respond if you received this report from your doctor? Your test results confirm that you have Stage 4 lung cancer and, because the cancer has already spread from your lungs to your brain with twelve to fifteen tumors appearing on the scans, the odds are against you being able to survive this diagnosis beyond six months.
We all face storms in life, but this would be a tsunami!!!
In December 2018, Devon Googins, one of our Anchored Sisters, received this report. While she had a hard time comprehending her new reality, she testifies that she did not let fear rule her heart or steal her joy. Devon remembers, "I knew that God's hand was upon me. I had His peace, His joy and His comfort!"
Although Devon received Christ as her Savior when she was eighteen years old, her faith journey had been sporadic. She had a heart to serve Jesus but did not have a personal, daily walk with Him. The "C" word that can strike fear in our hearts was now the "C" for catalyst. It was the catalyst that compelled Devon to want to know God more and to desire to begin every morning spending time with Him in His Word.
Sometimes when we are going through difficult times and feel overwhelmed by life's events, we choose to isolate ourselves from others. Not Devon! She knew she needed the prayers and support of her brothers and sisters in Christ. All over the nation, God's people prayed for Devon. In a vision, God showed Devon that she was being lifted up, held high like in a sporting event when one person brings their team to victory. Devon shares, "That's what I felt like, that the body of Christ was holding me up through their prayers, bringing me to victory!"
Her Watermark family rejoiced as Devon shared her praise reports. She was the one in a million patient who was able to participate in a special treatment for this kind of cancer. As a result, the tumors in her brain are shrinking and her blood work is improving.
Although Devon and her husband, Bob, had only been attending Watermark a couple months after moving here from California, her sisters in Christ brought meals and provided transportation. Devon is so grateful for those tangible expressions of God's love. Knowing she needed the support and encouragement, Devon joined a life group and faithfully attended a morning Bible study. And Devon chose to serve others. She has been instrumental as a member of the leadership team in helping plan and host events for Anchored Sisters.
A tsunami that the enemy hoped would knock Devon off her feet and totally destroy her, instead was used by God to firmly anchor Devon in Him. What the enemy intended for evil, God used to draw Devon to Himself in sweet, loving intimacy. The "C" word that defines Devon today is "CONQUEROR"! Devon is "more than a conqueror" as she daily chooses to surrender her life and health to her loving Father God.
May you be inspired by these words from our anchored sister, Devon:
We are in very scary times right now, but I have peace which passes all understanding because my hope is in God. Therefore, I encourage you to walk daily with the Lord for it will change your perspective knowing our God is all powerful, courageous and able to overcome any anxiety. Love in Christ!
Your sister,
Devon Googins
Lord God,
When life's tsunami's come our way, please overwhelm us with waves of Your love and mercy. Give us courage to stand strong. Let Your Holy Spirit birth a song of praise to You even when we are in our darkest hour. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
