For many of us, there is a risk in our faith journey becoming dull and impersonal until we experience or hear how another experiences how real and personal God really is. Hearing real-life stories of how He has impacted people can be a powerful tool in God’s hand to deepen our faith and give us strength to press on. He loves to touch the lives of His children. He also loves for us to relive and retell those stories. Let’s praise God together as we hear what He’s doing among us!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Psalm 106:1-2

Toby is part of the New Hope Church Family and she's a survivor- literally. In 2002, she got the disturbing news none of us wants to hear-breast cancer. Throughout surgery, chemotherapy, and all the ups and downs of cancer treatment, Toby is a new person, both physically and spiritually. She'll be the first to tell you it's been a hard road, but she'll also be quick to share the gratitude she has for a new and deeper relationship with the Lord-not to mention a renewed gratitude for life.

You can't experience those kinds of blessings without wanting to share them. That's just what she wants to do with the following poem that reveals a bit of her journey and growth to know the God who loves us deeply through both the joys and the griefs of this life. As you read, give God praise for the good things He brings out of difficulty and remember to pray for all those who struggle with the daily pains and hurdles of cancer.

Toby's Story~
I'm a cancer survivor and I want to say,
I now know my Lord in a whole new way.
God uses all things for our good and His glory
And to that end, I'm telling my story.

It started last year when I found a lump-
That sure did make my adrenaline pump!
But even before they confirmed what I had,
God prepared me that it would be bad.
Psalm 139 said God had it all planned;
We'd continue to walk, but He'd now hold my hand.
The range of emotions that came into play,
My perception of life changed forever that day.

Since it was cancer, things moved quite fast.
God worked out each detail from the first to the last.
Appointments and doctors just fell into place.
The timing was perfect, all part of His grace.

Surrounded by friends and my family,
The church Elders prayed and anointed me.
And here I would like to take time to say,
It was such a blessing to hear them all pray.
I had three requests-one to keep my hair.
I panicked when thinking it might not be there!
I felt the great power of prayer that day
When surgery came, I was more than okay.

I was filled with a peace that others could see,
And was able to share how God gave it to me.
With surgery over the chemo would start,
I knew that this would be the hard part.
After one treatment, I did lose my hair.
But God lovingly showed me my identity's not there!
I had the beauty of Jesus in me,
And that's what He wanted other people to see.
Blessed with a husband who stepped up to the plate,
His prayer and support were truly so great.
And it didn't matter if I didn't have hair,
Through good and bad times, he always was there.

I had it all figured-when I'd be done.
But God knew much different-I had only begun!
In His divine wisdom, God let things go wrong,
He knew the best way to make my faith strong.

As I went through this, I prayed I would see,
What I was to learn and how God could use me.
You wouldn't believe how God answered that prayer!
There are so many people with cancer out there.
I was far from alone in this battle I fought,
Into my life there were others God brought.
I learned God allows things that may not seem "fair,"
So we can help others because we've "been there."
Neighbors and friends watched how I responded-
With those who had cancer, I actually bonded.
And who'd ever think that losing your hair,
Would open a door and a chance to share!

A sense of humor, I found a must!
And when things got rough, I had to just trust.
Scripture's promises that gave me hope,
Were such a blessing and helped me cope.
I learned the value of sending a note.
I was so encouraged by the things others wrote.
Special notes and cards that came my way,
Were always so perfect for just that day.
Many from you all, sitting out there-
Thank you for caring and for all of your prayers!

It's when we are weak that God makes us strong-
And that's a faith I will pass along!
God was so faithful; of that there's no doubt,
If I didn't tell others, the stones would cry out!
Of my three requests, God granted two-
Yes, I lost my hair, but now I have new!

It wasn't fun, what I went through,
But I got to experience God's love anew.
Each day is a gift I know that now.
I want to live for Christ, the best I know how.

~Toby Jensen, June 2003