Like a Weaned Child

The news of our daughter’s stage four non-small-cell lung cancer hit my husband and me like a devastating storm, leaving us grappling for understanding. Chipo had never smoked in her life. She had lived a healthy life the best she knew how.

Intelligent, she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science in nursing. She was only thirty-three, a hard-working nurse who had recently become engaged and was busy planning a wedding. Immediately we cried out to God for a miraculous healing. Through prayer we moved from despair to hope as we called upon Jehovah Rapha, God our healer (Exodus 15:26). Family, friends, and colleagues sought God’s healing favor upon Chipo. For weeks the situation remained dire, but we did not give up hope.

A breakthrough came when the doctors confirmed her type of cancer could respond to genetically targeted therapy that cost between US$10,000 and US$15,000 per month. Our joy turned to panic when we learned that insurance would not cover the cost.

“Lord, have mercy on Chipo,” we pleaded earnestly. Miraculously Chipo found a sponsor for the costly medication. How we celebrated! For eighteen months Chipo was back on her feet. She worshiped, got married, and visited friends and family.

We were sure God had answered our prayer and that she would remain cancer-free. But that was not to be the case. When her body stopped responding to treatment, she passed away. How my heart wrestled with this loss. However, God gently reminded me of the many miracles He had performed during Chipo’s remission, and I started to find peace and slowly began to trust His wisdom and timing. While Chipo did not receive the complete healing we longed for, those eighteen months were a profound gift I will forever cherish. Like a weaned child, I came to a place of full surrender, recognizing that God is the Creator and I am His child. Like a weaned child resting on my mother’s breast, God’s provisions—though different from my desires, brought healing, peace, and acceptance. I reaffirmed my trust in God’s sovereignty even when His answers do not align with my deepest desires. Like a weaned child, may we all find peace in surrender, trusting the God who knows our deepest needs, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Earlymay Chibende