Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

My life journey took an unexpected turn in late 2012 when doctors found a fast-growing cancerous tumor in my left breast. Early the next year, the tumor was removed, I underwent minimal radiation and therapy, and life returned to normal.

Normal, but different somehow.

In the weeks following surgery, I discovered a measure of strength and peace I could not have imagined before cancer entered my world. God not only walked beside me in this journey, he carried me. He blessed and nurtured me. And he changed me.

Miss Independent, the tough little girl who didn’t really need anyone and who could take care of herself and everyone else, found herself in need after all.

Surrounded by my family and friends, I learned to lean on them, to accept their help and prayers. And I found that the God I had returned to some 25 years earlier was more than capable of doing “immeasurably more” than I knew how to ask or imagine, “according to his power at work” within me.

I didn’t ask him to, but God changed me, not because I beat cancer, but because I let cancer lead me into a deeper relationship with my Creator and Savior.

The month after treatment ended — the same month I celebrated my 60th birthday — my husband blessed me with a healing trip to Florida. The sunset photo was taken on a beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Water is my “happy place” and God spoke volumes to me while I let the sun do its healing.

Our church family has been challenged to memorize Ephesians 3:20 as we welcome a new pastor. The verse I underlined in my Bible many years ago is more than a promise. It’s a truth that I claim and proclaim:

“….to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”   Selah