Read: Psalm 34:1-10
He delivered me from all my fears. (v. 4 NIV)
I was in a hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, scheduled to have another lump removed from one of my breasts. Each previous growth had been benign, but as I prayed, I felt sure this one would be malignant.
We had three small children. As I asked God to spare me to raise our children and be Sam’s wife, God reminded me of missionary friends whose wives had died of cancer. He reminded me that he had given them second wives who cared for them and raised their children. I told God that I wanted to be the wife and mother of my family.
As I prayed, God said to me: “Helen, I love you so much that I sent my only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. Can’t you trust me to care for your family if I call you home?”
I wept and said, “Yes, Lord, I will trust you. Do what is best.”
I then felt the warmth of God’s love wrap around me, just like I often wrapped my children in their favorite blankets. God’s peace filled my heart.
I did have cancer and had a mastectomy. But I also have had the joy of watching our children mature, and we have celebrated many more anniversaries. How I thank God for his goodness! —Helen Hofman
As you pray, ask God to free you from your fears. Thank him for his goodness and love.
About the Author
Helen Hofman is a retired missionary. She and her husband Sam worked with the Tzeltal and Tojolabal Indians of Chiapas, Mexico for more than forty years. In their work, they helped set up a Bible School to train the Tzeltals, taught in the Bible School, prepared Sunday School materials, textbooks, hymnals and audiovisuals. They also coordinated the translation of the Amatenango Tzeltal New Testament and the revision of the highland Tzeltal Bible.
