Here's an Update: God has a way of shifting things
(Photo: Instagram@iamdiannahobbs)
I have been on a rollercoaster ride lately—thus, my silence. But I am doing awesome. That does not mean I am pain-free, but it is well because God is yet good, always faithful, and He does all things well, amen?
If you have been keeping up with me, you know doctors have been doing quite a bit of testing on me. Now that I have more information and results, I am at liberty to say more. Last month, they noticed a mass in my right breast that looked like cancer. My ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy all pointed to malignancy. I was set for surgery to remove the mass. However, on the day I went to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for my pre-surgical appointment, something amazing and unexpected happened.
At the final hour, there was a big plot twist that left my mouth agape—literally. My surgeon, Dr. Young, walked into the room and told me she had news from the lab. My results had suddenly changed. Although the mass resembled cancer, it was actually benign. The specialists had prepared me for the worst, but God worked that thing out for the best. Won’t He do it?
Honestly, I was at a loss for words. My dropped jaw was frozen in astonishment. The only thing that I managed to get out after my doctor asked me “Is that okay?” was “Thank You, Jesus!”
That alone is worthy of a full-on praise break, right?
All of the negative reports I have been receiving, Daily Cup family, God has been turning them around one by one and shifting things in my favor. Throughout this process, He has been showing me just who He is and reminding me that there is nothing too hard for Him. No matter what doctors say or circumstances say, God has the last say.
I also had genetic testing done for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer genes 1 and 2), which are the best-known genes linked to breast cancer risk. You may remember me telling you this during a recent podcast. Though my results did not come back normal, as I had hoped, and I am considered high-risk for breast cancer, I am not worried. My total faith and trust is in the Lord. We serve a God who is a healer, sustainer and deliverer.
“God has a way of turning things around in your favor. You may not see what He’s up to at the moment, but you will look back on this and see He was up to something great all along! ”
In the midst of all that is going on, there are two other, separate issues: my uterus has become enlarged, and a fibroid tumor—a benign growth—is sitting on top of it. The combination of the fibroid and the oversized uterus has caused me a great amount of pain. At times, the issues this causes in my pelvic region are so excruciating and unbearable, I am unable to sit up or walk around. I lie in bed, which I don’t like doing, because I am a get-up-and-go kind of person. But hey, there are seasons, like this one, when I have to be still.
I’m experiencing all kinds of painful symptoms in the lower part of my body that doctors say are a result of the enlarged uterus like: neuropathic pain, spasms, back and muscle aches, and digestive problems. Gratefully, my condition is not harmful; it just hurts.
Some people have fibroids and an enlarged uterus and don’t even know it because they are not at all symptomatic. Too bad that’s not the case for me, though I wish it were. This is why I have been absent for some weeks now. The pain has derailed my plans and forced me to cancel engagements, reschedule events, be absent from pre-planned ministry functions, and rely on my amazing team to carry on. I have been praying constantly and trusting the Lord.
I am thankful to God that I am blessed with exceptional staff and incredible doctors that have been helping me manage the pain while we determine the best solution. As you may know, pain management, while it may lessen the agony, can cause sleepiness, dizziness and other negative side effects. I have been prescribed several things until the root causes of all the pain are eliminated.
It has been a lot, but it is well with my soul. My specialist, who first discovered the fibroid and enlarged uterus, has sent me for numerous screenings, a biopsy, and other testing. We had to rule out other problems, namely uterine cancer. Everything there came back benign as well.
Still, my doctor recommended I get a second opinion to determine the best course of action going forward. So I have an upcoming appointment next week, and I am believing God to intervene once again so that I can get past this latest storm and be about my Father’s business full-time.
Although this whirlwind, which started on March 26th, the two-year anniversary of my miraculous healing from two autoimmune diseases, has been exhausting, I have no reason to complain. The Lord’s hand has been working in my favor. How can I not be grateful?
There have been frustrating days, some sleepless nights, and tears from blinding pain, but the Lord has been with me every day, and so have your prayers. For this I thank you. While I must be honest and say this doesn’t feel good, I must also say I realize that valley experiences, tests and trials are necessary to grow our faith. God has been too good for me to start complaining.
I am fully aware that God doesn’t want me to get comfortable simply reminiscing about the miracle He performed for me two years ago. Every day and in every way He uses each opportunity to show Himself strong. Because I strive to be honest and transparent with you, I wanted to update you, but needed to wait until I was clear on what was happening in my body. I didn’t want any of my revelations to be premature.
Today, you may be going through something just as I am. I believe God led me to share with you this truth: He is turning things around in your favor. Don’t get caught up in what things look like, even if you have received bad news. As I often tell you, the Lord has a way of shifting things and flipping them in your favor.
One of my favorite scriptures, which I am stirring into your cup of inspiration this afternoon, is found in Psalm 5:12 NIV, which says, “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, know that in the midst of what you’re facing, you are blessed. Though trouble may be all around you, God’s favor—which is greater than your struggle—surrounds you, too.
Now let’s pray.
God, I am going through a difficult season, but despite it all, I thank You for Your favor. I believe You are shifting outcomes right now and causing all things to work together for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
