All Things Through Christ

Several years ago the Scripture found in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," took on a new meaning for me. My four-year-old nephew, Devin, had been diagnosed with the dreaded disease of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I remember well the Sunday morning that we received the results of the tests that had been taken on Devin following his sudden illness. The word leukemia had filled my heart with an overwhelming fear of the unknown. The horror of the future with this disease was undoubtedly several rounds of painful tests and treatment and the ultimate question of survival.
Because Devin's illness was discovered in a very early stage, doctors were able through a powerful series of chemotherapy to achieve a state of remission for him. We were elated and felt that the disease was now behind him and that he could look forward to a normal future. However, after a six-year remission, the leukemia returned. This time it was in a much more aggressive form and did not respond so quickly to the treatment. A Philadelphia chromosome was present, which made the disease highly resistant to treatment. Devin had to undergo many painful bone marrow tests, spinal taps, and much chemotherapy for a period of three years, and he was hospitalized for five months.

For a child to endure so much pain and suffering he needed a source of strength. That came to Devin in the form of this Scripture taught to him by his parents: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." He memorized the Scripture and quoted it quite often as he faced difficult situations. Nurses commented at the peace they felt in the room, and they often wept as he quoted the Scripture. It was stated that the Scripture relaxed his muscles as though he had been numbed. I remember one time sitting in the room as the doctor performed a spinal tap. The doctor was having difficulty getting the needle in appropriately, and it was causing much pain for Devin. The doctor looked at him and said firmly, "Quote your Scripture, Devin!" He even recognized the power of the Word! Devin began to quote this verse repeatedly until the procedure was completed.

Article Source: http://www.christiannotepad.com