BLOG POST: Are We There Yet? by Rev. Grace Reyes

 ARE WE THERE YET?

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Rev. 12:11 NKJV

When I hear someone talking about having been through a trial in their lives, I smile with understanding.  We have all been through one thing or another that has rocked our lives and changed who we were before it occurred.  

My moment came with a diagnosis of lung cancer on a crisp autumn day that seemed like any other.  I was introduced into the cancer system which is a world unto itself.  Little did I know that I had begun a journey that would forever change my relationship with God in a good way.  

Several months of grueling tests informed my cancer team that the lung needed to be removed.  I could not at that moment imagine what my life would be like with only one organ.  The doctor said that I could function well with only one, but I had my doubts.

I was devastated, to say the least, so many fears rose up to haunt me in the wee hours of the morning, that I would not see my children reach their goals, and that I would never meet my grandchildren.  The one constant was the encouragement from my children and my husband that God was in control.  I saw and experienced signs and wonders from God which drew me closer to Him and helped to build my faith.

His word during my recovery became the boat I stepped into; I felt a safe haven was being built whenever I read the Bible.  I prayed and He was near, reaching into the deepest depths of my mind and heart.  It made me want to seek Him and as the scriptures assured in (Jeremiah 29:13) that if I seek Him, I shall find Him, I did.

I began to pray more, to seek Him in those moments of recovery, and to lean into Him like never before.  He spoke to me through His word, reassuring me that we would get to the other side together.  

During this time of gratitude and recovery, I founded a ministry called “Blessed Keys”.  It is set up online and its core is to bring testimonies of other “overcomers” and to emphasize the importance of daily prayers and encouragement.

We have grown to the point of book clubs and Bible studies in person as well as therapeutic art.  

What is telling about my testimony is how I overcame fear and anxiety and replaced it with trust and faith.  Faith in a God who knew the outcome of my story so that I could share it with others who are going through it right now.  It is important to focus on God when you are in the middle of your trial not on whether you will arrive to the other side of it.  When your trust is put on the author and finisher of your faith you have no reason to fear.

Am I there yet?  I am still here, still thankful and it has been 8 years this month. I am cancer-free and standing on my mountaintop, arms raised in praise declaring my victory in the mighty name of Jesus!

Rev. Grace Reyes
Founder of Blessed Keys Ministry