The Dragon's Gone

A week ago, I wrote about the dragon that kept nagging me as I waited for the results of a medical test.

Thankfully, the dragon is gone now. Almost like Puff, that dragon has “ceased his fearless roar” and slipped into his cave.

In other words, the test was completely negative. There was, as my doctor said, “nothing there.”

It’s the second time in my life that God has answered prayers about a cancer scare in an unexpected way. Rather than the “expected” possibilities—a cyst, a benign tumor, or early-stage, treatable cancer—He has taken a possibility and turned it into a nonexistent situation.

At these times, I wonder why He has blessed me this way, when friends are even now struggling through chemotherapy. No matter what the outcome of my test, I know that it would have been an answer to prayer. God gave me that peace throughout the time of waiting.

The beauty of it is that God doesn’t have to explain Himself to us. Someday, we will be able to ask Him face-to-face—but by that time, it won’t even be important. So for now, I just want to praise Him. And rely on God’s presence to keep the dragon of fear, worry, and doubt hidden away in its cave, no matter what the future brings my way.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT)

Dragon in the Closet

There’s been a dragon in my closet this week.

As much as I’ve tried to hide it or ignore it, he’s been there. And every so often he sticks his ugly head out and makes sure I know he’s around.

I learned late last week that I needed a medical test for something that could be potentially devastating—or merely an inconvenience. The test is over now, but I won’t know the results for a few more days.

The question, in these situations, is always: who do I tell, and when? My first instinct is to ask for prayer from everyone I know. This would be my feeble effort to ward off the worst.

I believe in prayer power, of course. At the same time, I don’t want loved ones to be unnecessarily alarmed.

So I shared the concern with those closest to me physically—close friends at work and church. And held off telling most of those who live farther away. Once I have more information and know how they can help, I will tell them.

Most of the time, I have felt an uncommon peace. I know that my life is in God’s hands, and I think I’m ready for whatever His plan is.

But every now and then, the Worry Dragon breathes on me. He reminds me of the worst possible scenarios. He makes me feel alone. He threatens me with pain and uncertainty. He tells me that he is always there, no matter how hard I pretend that he’s not.

But God’s Word reminds me that God is always here, too, right beside me. With His help, I have tamed the dragon every time.

Both a devotional and a friend reminded me of Isaiah 41:10, and it’s become my new favorite verse. In the Message, it reads:

Don't panic. I'm with you.
There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

So you can go away, Dragon. I’m not listening to you any more.