For the past few years, I’ve been diligently dealing with prostate cancer.
It’s been less than a year since my second mildly invasive procedure to remove the cancer that lingers within the walls of that one small organ. So far, I’ve elected to not have the gland surgically removed.
I’m often asked if there’s any pain associated with my illness and I honestly share that there’s no pain at all.
Recently, my urologist at UCLA Health and I conversed through a video consultation to discuss the feasibility of a second High Intensity Focused Ultrasound treatment to remove the minute cancer still remaining within my prostate.
Dr. Leonard Marks, whom I trust implicitly, advised that his recommendation was to “watch and wait” for another six months. So, I’m taking his advice and will go through another pelvic MRI early next year.
I’ve been dealing with this cancer for four years now, and waiting a bit longer before my next treatment is just fine. I’m resolved to accept the tough task of watchful waiting.
When prostate cancer first became a real concern, I researched all the alternatives available to cancer patients. Prostate cancer is seldom aggressive and grows fairly slowly.
In fact, many men my age diagnosed with this malady will oftentimes watchfully wait for years and simply monitor their PSA (prostate-specific antigen) every six months or so.
Statistically, very few men die of prostate cancer these days. Although many with the illness do die of other ailments in the meantime.
My attitude to this affliction is premised on my faith in our Heavenly Father. My Christian journey has been filled with many trials as well as many blessings. And as a Christian, I’ve come to understand that there are certainly times to “watch and wait” on the Lord.
Through biblical study I’ve come across this concept of watching and waiting quite often.
Listen to these words penned by King David found in Psalm 27:13-14: “I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
That’s awfully good advice from the one who was known as “a man after God’s own heart.”
We’ve all faced many anxious moments these past few years.
From a business standpoint, I can’t recall a more challenging time to make a good living. So, I’ve simply learned to work harder and smarter.
My preference has always been to meet clients face-to-face, and that’s become difficult under all these government directives. Timing is everything and I’ve become more patient to my client’s needs and preferences.
Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have become less available and harder to reach. I can only surmise their lives, too, have become more complex and challenging.
Let me share my secret to watchful waiting during these trying times. The first tough task we must take on is developing a strong and consistent prayer life. Christians should know the significance of putting on the armor of God every morning.
Here’s what Paul exhorts in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Yes, this world wants us to fail and to give in to the enemy’s schemes.
Paul continues in Ephesians 6:18: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Yes, my prayers are not just for my personal needs, but also for the many He has put in my path, as well as others I barely know who diligently work for our Lord and those God puts in their paths.
That’s what is known as being a vibrant part of the Family of God!
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at jim@fourthquarterstrategies.com for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.