FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS
One of the editorial team member, Rajni Manoj, tells us how her trust in Jesus helped her when her husband was diagnosed with cancer.
A GOOD CHRISTIAN?
What does it take to be a good Christian? I always considered that I was pretty average at it. I fulfilled my religious duties by going to Mass every Sunday and observing the Lenten fast. I said the Rosary daily and I prayed and read a chapter of the Bible each evening. I never used bad language and always gave one tenth of my salary to good causes. I thought that was what was necessary to be a good Christian. Although I never deemed it my duty to tell others about Jesus and His great love, that was the priest’s job, right? So until a few years ago, I assumed that all the blessings I enjoyed in my life were because I was doing what God wanted me to do and he was pleased with my so-called pious life. I was soon to discover how wrong I was!!
HAPPILY MARRIED
God has blessed me with a very happy marriage and we didn’t have any problems. We loved each other greatly and we travelled the world together. We shared common interests and hardly disagreed on anything. In short, ours was a match made in heaven. We dreamed of growing old together and thanked the Lord for the gift of each other in our lives. St. Paul tells us, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
A SHOCK
On 15 April 2010, my husband was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was like a bomb had suddenly exploded and our world fell apart. After the doctors told us the devastating news, we sat in a small hospital room thinking that our life had come to an end. I went completely numb, so great was my sorrow. I couldn't imagine a life without my husband. I would have gladly exchanged places with him at that moment.
TRUSTING
After the initial shock, during those first dark moments of taking in the news, I heard a small voice inside me saying, “Jesus is with you. Why are you worried?” Suddenly I started saying aloud, “Yes I have Jesus, nothing is impossible for Him. My Jesus will heal him. I don't have to worry.” At that very moment my thoughts turned from hopelessness and despair to hope and trust. I just handed everything over to the Lord, as if I knew that everything was going to be fine now. Just like a child who trusts her father to make everything alright, I too turned to Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
MY PRAYER
It was heartbreaking to leave my husband alone at the hospital that night as they wouldn't let relatives stay. It was the first time that I had truly left him in the care of our Blessed Mother Mary. We often take it for granted and rely on our capabilities to care for our loved ones. But that night I realised that it hadn't been me taking care of him all these years, but it was the Lord’s mighty protection that had kept him safe from harm. I remember lying awake all night asking Jesus for just one thing, “Lord, I accept the testing that You have allowed in our lives, but please let it be a curable cancer.” I believed in the power of Jesus, so all we needed was His grace and we surrendered ourselves to His Sacred Heart. "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
THE JOURNEY
The Lord answered my prayer when further tests revealed that it was a curable form of cancer. Thankfully, my husband went into remission after the first series of chemotherapy. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) The journey wasn't easy but Jesus gave us the grace to carry on without complaints. There were times of great sorrow but we felt the hand of Jesus carrying us through each day. I remember one particular time when my husband was too sick to even keep his eyes open, he saw me crying and said to me, “Do you believe in Jesus? If you do then do not doubt Him, just trust in Him, He will make me well.” And indeed He did. The Psalmist tells us, "The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:17-19)
A POSITIVE OUTCOME
Nothing should shake our faith in Jesus. Trials and temptations will come our way but if we stay devoted to Jesus then He will give us victory. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) Since the illness, we have tried not be just average Christians. Jesus didn't die for us to be just passive followers of His. I couldn't have got through it without His help. Although it took some serious prodding for me to realise that God’s grace is available free for everyone. We cannot bargain or negotiate with God using our meager acts of self-righteousness. Now I'm not ashamed to speak about Jesus and I gladly go to Mass and Adoration during the week. I have started telling everyone about Jesus and His love and mercy.
THE POWER OF PRAYER
I now no longer just say my prayers out of habit or obligation, but I believe in Jesus completely. I don’t doubt that He can answer my prayers. When we pray we should hand all our problems over to Him. Then our troubles will be ours no longer because Jesus will be in charge from then on. We used to claim and pray, “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14) It has been six years now since his illness and the Lord has blessed us with two more beautiful children. He has also given us the grace of a stronger faith to live for Him completely. We truly believe this awesome promise of our loving God, “Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” (Isaiah 49:23)
