Esther

When asked to write a blog on queen Esther and how my story related to her, I had to stop and think a bit.  The very first thing you read about her is that she had a pretty figure and face (Esther 2:7).  Now for those that know me, I'm sure you thought the resemblance to Esther's story and mine was beauty....now that we are through laughing lets see what really is in common.

This year will mark my eighth year as a cancer survivor. In 2004, I was having severe allergies.  I went to see my family doctor and he treated me with the usual shot.  While I was in his office I mentioned a  "minor problem" I was having. He agreed that my problem was probably nothing to be concerned about, but he thought I should see a specialist "just to be sure" all was okay.  My visit to the gastroenterologist resulted in a colonoscopy ordered.  My scope was scheduled for the next week.  At the end of my scope, Dr. Patel asked me to wait in the procedure room; he needed to talk to my husband, Terry and me.  When Terry came in the room, Dr. Patel told me that I had colorectal cancer...there was NO DOUBT about it. It was cancer...

After the shear panic of the news, Terry & I immediately turned to God and asked family and friends to go to God for strength, wisdom, and direction.  We started the doctor process.  Initially we did not find the doctors that fit; their treatment did not seem to be what was needed.  We continued to pray and asked God to give us clear direction.  A friend called and asked if her sister, Betty, could come and talk to me.  (Betty was 1 1/2 years ahead of me with the same cancer.)  Her doctor was a research gastroenterologist oncologist.  It was obvious that Betty had confidence in her doctor and the prescribed treatment. Terry and I made an appointment with her doctor and knew immediately that God had sent Betty to us with Dr. Figueroa's name.  Dr. Figueroa told me that he would make me well. I remember telling him that God would use him, but God, The Great Physician, would make me well.

Before treatment started we asked our elders to come and pray over me and anoint me with oil.  James 5:14-15 states that if anyone is sick, they should call on the elders to pray and pour oil on the person in the name of the Lord.  (I actually had them pray over me and anoint me with oil before each significant treatment that I underwent; chemo & radiation, surgery, and chemo.) I believe that this was the most crucial part of my treatment. I wanted God honored, even if He chose to use physicians to heal me; I wanted Him to receive ALL credit.

Soon it was time for surgery.  There was a 4-week window for surgery.  We interviewed 3 surgeons.  Each surgeon said I would have a colostomy. I just couldn't believe that was the reality God had in store for me.  We prayed and asked our prayer warriors to pray specifically for God to show us the right surgeon.  "By coincidence" (sarcasm there), two different people brought the same surgeon's name to us, Dr. Jacobson. These people did not know each other! When I called Dr. Jacobson's office, I was told that he could not see me or do surgery during the "surgery window".  I remember hanging up the phone and crying. I was so sure that God had given me this surgeon.  The phone rang.  It was Dr. Jacobson's receptionist.  She talked to Dr. Jacobson - He said he would work me in during MY time frame.  Coincidence? NO. God? YES!!!

How does my story tie into Esther? Consider these please:

1) We were hit hard in life. Both faced death. Esther 4:15

2) We listened to wise council of others. Esther 4:12-14

3) We were bold in our faith and trust of God.  Both wanted His will done no matter the outcome to our life.  Esther 5:7-8

4) We watched God put together a series of events to fulfill His purpose. Esther 6

5) We want(ed) people know that GOD IS THE REASON the outcome took place.  She set up the feast of Purim, Esther 9.  I love to tell "my story" of what God did for me.

One last thing...After I made my three year mark, Dr. Figueroa told me two things:  First, he had just attended a seminar that described my treatment and surgical procedure as cutting edge - the treatment/surgery I had done 3 years earlier.  (Coincidence???NO!) Second, he told me "Cherie, your Great Physician healed you.”

May God be honored in our daily walk, as He was Esther's.

- Cherie Creech