Heidi Lourens

Category: Stories
Date: 8 December 2017

There were many times when God had proven His faithfulness to me, but the one time that stands out the most was when Renier got diagnosed with cancer.

It was in 2003- the hardest year for us as a family. My grandfather and uncle died of cancer a few months apart, and Renier struggled with his health. He went to the doctor and was referred for an MRI scan and cystoscopy to see what was wrong with his bladder. The doctor saw a tumor, got it removed, and sent it to be tested.

The results came back after a week. Unfortunately, the news was not good- it was cancer. I remember sitting in the doctor's office, feeling as if my world just ended. Having just lost my grandfather and uncle to cancer a few months earlier, I was thinking that I am going to lose my husband, and Leylani, then 4, was going to grow up without her daddy.

As time went by, I started focusing on my fear instead of focusing on God. I remember crying and praying so much, I even tried bargaining with God. But that was clearly not the way to go.

Little did I know that God was using that time to draw me closer to Him. About two weeks after Renier was diagnosed, I hit rock bottom. I fell to my knees, crying and begging God to save my husband. I prayed and I gave my whole life over to Him, all the hurt, all the stress, everything. I don't know how long I was praying for, but all I know is that I could feel God's presence, and I felt His love and peace filling up my heart. I felt so happy, so loved, and at peace. God told me that Renier is healed and I believed Him.

It has been 14 years since Renier was diagnosed and he is still cancer free! Praise God!! I cherish every second I spend with my family now, for they are a blessing from God.

God helped me through the storm and I learned to focus on Him instead of the storm. It is hard when you are facing something difficult, but keep praying for the Holy Spirit to increase your faith. Nothing is too big for God to handle. Remember that God is faithful, and He loves us, and He will always keep His promises.

Lamentation 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.