‘Trust’ became his saving grace

(The following faith story was written by John Straiton, St. Andrew’s Teaching Pastor and is part of the 500 faith stories we are compiling in the next three years. Submissions are encouraged from all St. Andrew’s members. Send your story or thoughts for a story to Faith Stories. A member of the committee will follow-up with you. Please email us also if you’d like to join the committee.)

I have had many wonderful experiences in life, and I have had a few real challenges, as well.  One of the most challenging times came during a three-year struggle with cancer.  I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease less than a year after my call to St. Andrew’s.  My first round of treatments included major abdominal surgery, four months of chemo-therapy, and 43 radiation treatments.  Three months following the completion of these procedures, I was told that the cancer had recurred and was in my bone-marrow.  Conventional chemotherapy offered me about a 30% chance of survival.  However, there was an experimental Stem Cell Rescue Program at United Hospital that offered better odds.  I chose the Rescue, and entered a very grueling program. 

Those days had a profound effect on me. I encountered fear and pain on levels I knew not existed before this experience.  Prayer became a struggle, and my frame of mind was often near depression.  The physical impact of the treatments, coupled with the emotional stress of the possible fatal outcome, pushed me into some very dark times and places.  This became my cross to bear.  God’s simple message was, “trust!” 

I had many unique blessings through that time as well.  God provided me with a loving family, devoted friends, a supportive community at St. Andrew’s, and a quiet assurance that my eternal outcome was secure in the hands of the Lord Jesus.  I had great conversations, an emotional link to the scriptures, and a deeper connection with cancer patients.

In the end, the simple message to “trust” the Lord became my saving grace.  In that grace, I believe I became a better pastor – more equipped to help people through their challenging experiences.  I am grateful for the lessons learned.  

“My grace is sufficient for you.” 
2 Corinthians 12:9