Never Give Up!

by David Laylor

While I was at a client’s business setting up some new equipment one day I couldn’t help but overhear a “catching up” conversation between the owner(s) and and an old friend that had stopped in for a visit. One of the things they were discussing was a mutual friend that had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He told of how this person had taken the diagnosis as a matter-of-fact and that, according to the doctor’s report he only had about 3 months to live. The end of the matter is that the man received the doctor’s word, accepted it, and died almost exactly on schedule.

I hear such stories all too often and it breaks my heart. In late 2012 I had received a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. I was told that I would lose my tongue, that I would never speak again. I did NOT and could not accept that report. Today I use my tongue to tell people of the saving power of Jesus and that there is hope. My tongue was attacked by the enemy because I still have much to say.

My God is a God of miracles. Cancer is the name given to a particular disease. There are 39 root causes of disease in this world and Jesus took 39 stripes upon himself. This is not a coincidence. Jesus paid for our healing by His stripes. Isaiah 53:5 KJV – But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

I knew a man personally that was eleven years free of pancreatic cancer. In fact, his pancreas was completely removed all those years ago. Who’s word do you think he believed? While I was in Zion undergoing the treatment plan that eventually rendered inert the tumor that was growing in my tongue I met many people and heard/read many stories of overcoming, most of them in the name of Jesus.

I am living proof that the name of cancer must bow at the name of Jesus. I believed Him. I gave it to Him and He healed me. I am convinced that no amount of radiation or chemotherapy would matter except that Jesus paid the price for me.

Never give up. Never surrender. I pray that all who read this or who know me will take on the same mind. Cancer need be no more devastating than a common cold. It can be beaten in Jesus’ Name.