Rom 8:18-19
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. NIV
Saints, Prayer Warriors, and Women of God, I am going to open my heart to you with all the love that I have to relate to you the revelation God has given me through suffering. Some things you might not agree with or even understand. We as Christians will not understand all of God’s way. Some things will be revealed to us here on earth through revelation, but not all the mysteries will be revealed to you and I, the rest of the pieces of the puzzles of Life will make sense when we get to heaven.
Rom 8:18-19 ;
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. NIV
Job 11:7-8
“Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens — what can you do?
NIV
One of the mysteries that have had controversy is why do good people suffer? I don’t have the answer to that question but I can share my experience with it firsthand.
In the month July of 2011, I felt a lump on my breast. I thought that it would disappear like the rest of them that I had felt in the past. September 2011 I felt it a little bigger but put it out of my mind again hoping it would just go away. Then in November the end of the month I felt it again this time I jumped off my bed and told my husband, Danny, “Honey, this doesn’t feel right at all!” I have to make an appointment. Dec 2, 2011 my appointment for a mammogram was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. I sat there waiting for over an hour and all I kept thinking, “I’m leaving this appointment” if they don’t call me soon I will just reschedule for a later time. Anyway, my mother is 86 years old and never had any problems. Then the thought I know the devil was trying to block from my mind was the fact that my little sister suffered breast cancer at the age of 40 and a stepsister from my father side had also at a young age, had suffered the same faith.
All of a sudden my thoughts got interrupted by the nice receptionist as if she knew what I was thinking at the time told me, Mrs. Casas, I am going to see what the delay is with your appointment. She came back saying, “it is some technical difficulties”, (devil I think was) trying to get me out of there. She said, “they are going to call you very soon.”
So I waited, finally a serious looking lady name Patty came out calling me to the examining room. She looked at my history and started off with a long speech about waiting 3 years before getting a checkup. Yes, you got it, I waited 3 years.
I had been to these exams in the pass but this one, I knew in my heart was different. For months I heard a still small voice tell me “Your about to go through something very difficult but I will see you through it all!! I would look at my lovely and adorable family and plead with God please God not my family. So I would intercede for them what seem like day and night. I would wake up at 2 am and 3 am pleading the blood of Jesus over each family member for God to protect them from harm’s way.
Then Patty, the technician, told me to take a seat and left the room but immediately turned back around because she knew I could see the x-ray which I did see the mass right there in front of me. That’s when I heard the words again in my mind “You are about to go through something very difficult but I will see you through it all!
My heart sank into my stomach as I sat there waiting. Then Patty returns back in the room with a distressed look on her face, as if she knew me personally and showed deep concern as she asked me the question, “Did you know you have a mass?” Why did you wait?
She said we are going to do an ultrasound mammogram and you are going to see a doctor before you leave so he can explain to you what is taking place so you can seek further care of these serious findings.
I felt my whole body trembling as if I was cold as ice and fear grip my heart. I laid there on the examining table thinking about my husband in the waiting room not really knowing anything serious was going on with his wife of 30 years. That’s what broke my heart the most of all, was the people who I love and love me, they are going to suffer right alongside me. I couldn’t bear to see them hurt for me.
While I laid there still waiting on the doctor, a gentlemen comes in to tell me that the program that covered for the mammogram would not cover the extra tests that they ran on me, but said he knew I didn’t expect this to happen so he decided to waive all the rest of the fees. I couldn’t hold back the tears because I knew the hand of God was already at work and yes I heard the words that would comfort me on this journey of suffering “You are about to go through something very difficult, but I am seeing you through it all!!
The doctor showed me the X-rays and showed me the mass and told me this is where our concern is with the spots, that are highly suspicious to be malignant.
I lost my breath for a minute, wanting to run out, which I did, and wanting to get to my husband. He was smiling when he saw me which broke my heart, then he saw the distress on my face, he asked, “what’s wrong?” I couldn’t talk, I just rested my head on his chest and sobbed.
When I got my composure I said, “Danny they found a mass and they highly think it is malignant.” I want to tell you, I had the victory and knew everything was going to be alright, but I would be lying to you. I had to find God.
I called my friends and told them I needed prayer and I didn’t care who knew, I needed it; I wanted everyone to pray for me with all their hearts. Which I knew I had a great support group of prayer warriors. That’s what I’m talking about, “Prayer” is the key to finding God and with this network of women and men that know how to pray, I found comfort that I was never alone. God was with me and my immediate family and also “T.R.A.I.L” an army of warriors that are standing with me through the thick and the thin. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.
I will continue my journey with you soon, stay in touch and spread the word to others to read my story of the power of prayer that comes from an army of warriors that I am very proud to be a part of and call my family of God. I thank, most of all, my immediate family that has been by my side every second of the way! I’m truly blessed!! My sister Vera has been a great comfort to me as well!
God Bless,
Mrs. Barbara Casas
38 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 4, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Nikki Romero
Thanks for sharing this with us Sister Barbara. You are such a strong woman of God and I can’t wait to see all that God does through this. When I found out what you were going through I broke into tears bc just a few weeks before, when we had lunch w you and Pastor Danny, you spoke into my life and really encouraged me. Even in all you were going through you still took the time to minister to me. I love you very much and you are in my prayers.
February 4, 2012 at 11:06 pm
barbaracasasblog
Dear Nikki believe me when I say that I truly feel the same for you and all my brothers and sisters that are in the battlefield and pressing in no matter what happens. Also for the people who need to be reached for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is our life and we laid it down for God to do whatever He pleases to do with it. I love you and I know I’m going to see God do great things in your life. God Bless! Thank you for your comment.
February 5, 2012 at 12:18 am
Christi Nanez
I am truly moved by this. I have a fear of this cancer. My mother has found 2lumps. The first one deflated when doing the biopsy. And we are still waiting on the 2nd test results. Above all things I have been thru in my life; this disease grips me with FEAR. MY grandmother died from brain cancer. I have always had a horrifying fear of cancer. Sister Barbara; you are a strong and courageous woman. We serve an all powerful God you are in my prayers. I look forward to hearing what God does. Thank you for sharing this.
February 5, 2012 at 12:31 am
barbaracasasblog
Dear Christi my heart goes out to your family I will keep your mother in prayer! Your fears are to be expected but for them not to rule over you because God can overcome all our fears and give us peace over all. We just have to do our part in fighting this disease by self examining yourself and getting check-up when advised and God will do the rest. Believe God that this will never come your way and that we cannot let this grip us because God is greater and will see us through it ALL!
Ps 34:4-5
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
NIV
February 5, 2012 at 12:29 am
Michelle
Sis Barbra;
You truly are someone I’ve always looked up to and admired. Since I can remember you’ve always been a spiritual fighter. When I seen you last Friday, man you really encouraged me and your speaking pushed me to pray harder, don’t sweat the small things, and keep fighting. Love you soooo much and I’m defin believing and Praying with you. Thank you for ALL you do and being such a AWESOME WOMEN OF GOD
❤ Michelle
February 5, 2012 at 12:37 am
barbaracasasblog
Awe Michelle you’ve always been a sweet person remember I was your babysitter for a part of your childhood life and that is special to me. My prayer is that I can somehow still be a part of your life to encourage you to always no matter what never give in and never give up. I want you to see yourself as a mighty warrior woman of God that will go far in the kingdom of God. Don’t ever ever put yourself down you are made to succeed and take the gospel to the lost and hurting. God Bless! Love ya!
February 6, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Michelle
Oh Sis Barbra, You’ve always been a part of my life any wise words you say to me i really hold onto it and believe. And yes i remember when you would babysit me and lol i still have my tiny scar from a scratch you gave me on accident when i was little lol. I’ll will take what you said and will run with it. Love you so much!!!
February 6, 2012 at 3:55 pm
barbaracasasblog
:)oh i remember that day I was handing you a piece of fruit and you ran into me all excited for the it. How the years have gone by and God is still strong in our hearts. Thank you Jesus for his longsuffering and tender mercies. Love you Michelle
February 5, 2012 at 6:05 pm
dolores holley
When we go out-reaching for souls for salvation. If one person recieve salvation we know God is pleased. Sister Barabara if one person go and get thier self checked because of your sharing this with us I know God is pleased. I have somethings i have been needing to check for a lot of years.(thanks). I love you from the day i met you and pastor danny(9yrs). I will forever cry to heaven on you behalf.
February 5, 2012 at 7:09 pm
barbaracasasblog
Sister Dolores I will forever be grateful for your love and support because I truly believe that your prayers are a link to my strength and courage that I need in this time of my life. Thank you Jesus for women that are like a tree planted and have their roots down deep for the kingdom of God! God Bless and answer all your needs and yes please go get those things taken care of because you are the kings daughter and he wants us whole in all areas of our life. God Bless! Love ya!
February 5, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Karen Guice
Sister Barbara, we had an awesome P.U.S.H. meeting yesterday, and a prayer request for you was mentioned. With a handfull of mighty warriors we stormed the gates of heavens with prayer, Gods presence came down and we stomped demons!!! That’s right, whipped devils!!!! When Inell prayed for me, I felt as if I was punching the devil in the face!!! woohoo!! We interceded for you Sister Barbara!, they way you taught us to pray with your “TRAIL” teaching. You are such a great blessing to our fellowship, I will continue to pray for you. God Bless! Love, Karen
February 5, 2012 at 7:05 pm
barbaracasasblog
Thank you sister Karen for sharing with me that wonderful praise report! It really brings comfort and strength to me to know that “Prayer” is going forward for the Glory of God! Please thank your push women for the prayers and support that I cherish so much. God Bless you and everything return back to all of you a hundred fold. Love you!
February 5, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Grace Gutierrez
Sister Barbara, I received the news from your sister Vera just today. My heart goes out to you and your family as I too have walked in these very same steps. I can confidently say that my Heavenly Father has walked faithfully right alongside me. Many have been the moments when I know that I know that He literally has carried me like only a loving Heavenly Father can. I just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you and for your precious family. God is a Good God Sister Barbara, and ever so Faithful! My devotional reading for today gave me Isaiah 52:12. I want to share a poem at the end of my devotional with you.
Sit still, my children! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days–these waiting days–as ill!
The One who loves you best, who plans your way,
Has not forgotten your great need today!
And, if He waits, it’s sure He waits to prove
To you, His tender child, His heart’s deep love.
Sit still, my children! Just sit calmly still!
You greatly long to know your dear Lord’s will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corrodingly within, because of His delay–
Persuade yourself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.
Sit still, my children! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way has opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad your heart, and then how swift your feet,
Your inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could you for Him fill?
It’s hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
It’s hard, it’s true! But then—He gives you grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place
J. Danson Smith
Barbara, if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. If you have any questions regarding my journey with breast cancer, I will be more than happy to share with you. To God be all the Glory! Amen and Amen!
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.
February 5, 2012 at 8:48 pm
barbaracasasblog
Awe Sister Grace thank you for your encouraging words and the wonderful poem they really touched my heart I took every word into my heart. Good to hear from you and I know you meant every single word because that who you are! God Bless and you will hear from me soon. Keep in touch! Love Ya. and tell your family I say hello!
February 5, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Terry
S. Barbara, I wanted to let you know how inspiring it was to see you speak at Into The Secret Place. You are a true servant of God. It is apparent the love you have for God and for all of us. You have always been in my prayers. Just hearing you speak in the midst this trial brought tears to my eyes. So many complain in lessor circumstances, but you have shown us your great courage in how you have chosen to listen to the voice of God and trust in His word that no matter what we face we will be alright if we place ourselves in Gods hands. I look forward to hearing from you again and your testimony of faith. Sending you love and prayers!
February 5, 2012 at 8:50 pm
barbaracasasblog
S. Terry thank you for always being a support to me and my family and I know that you are praying for me (I have always known that) and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. Happy Birthday 🙂 and God Bless!
February 5, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Delilah Cardona
Thanks for sharing this with us sis barbara. Ur such a strong and beautiful women of god and you just encourage me so much in my life. No matter how big are small our trails are we have a mighty god that will get us through it. Sometimes things in my life are so hard to overcome but hearing wat u go through makes me a stronger person because of you. Love you and you are always in my prayers.
February 5, 2012 at 8:53 pm
barbaracasasblog
Sister Delilah I so appreciate your words of encouragement and I’m so blessed to know that there are women like you that believe in the “Power of Prayer” and thank you for keeping me in your prayers and If I can pray for you for whatever pressing need you might have please feel free to share it with me so I can put on my prayer request. God Bless!
February 6, 2012 at 8:32 am
Angie Pasos
Words cannot describe how much you mean to me!!! I know that you coming to Fresno was truly a gift from God to me and my Family!! I know that God is truly with you, and nothing can change that. I admire your relationship with God and thank you for always telling me the truth and never holding it back (with lots of love of course).
You are a great tool in God’s kingdom!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Angie Pasos
February 6, 2012 at 12:10 pm
barbaracasasblog
I feel the same way sister Angie about you and your precious family that God has you all there for me and my family to support us and to follow Christ and make a difference in this world. God Bless! Love you all!
February 6, 2012 at 10:03 am
Olivia
Thank you for sharing that Sis Barbara.. It really touched me and made me cry.. I’ve been struggling within myself for the last 2 months bout things that try to keep me down.. and for a minute the old Olivia’s thinking got the best of me but ive refocused and given it to God.. and these blogs really do encourage me, and set me straight, and help to guide me with beautiful insight! Thank you Sis Barbara love you
February 6, 2012 at 12:12 pm
barbaracasasblog
I want to thank you sister Olivia for reading and commenting on these blogs it really encourages me to press harder for our family of God we need each other more than words can explain. God Bless! And yes please stay focus no matter what!!! Love you!
February 6, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Cathy G
Sis Barbara words can not discribe the influence you are to me me and the the women in our fellowship. We are praying for you and your family. Thank you for your exampleship, this blog and your passion for God! Looking forward to all God has planned for you, as he carries you threw this and takes you into a deeper relationship with him, knowing you will pass on your knowledge and passion to us at the next “Secret Place” meeting. Our hearts go out to you as we continue to pray for you.
Love you and praying for you.
February 6, 2012 at 2:18 pm
barbaracasasblog
You are my inspiration and women like you that also have a passion for the things of God and are hungry for more of all that God has for then. We are in this for the long haul and we win! I’m blessed to be able to share my heart to those that need whatever encouragement I can give them with the grace of God upon my life. I am the one who is blessed by all of you! Love you with all my heart! God Bless!
February 6, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Monique Brown
Sister Barbara,
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. You are an amazing woman of God. Don’t stop what your doing and fight harder, you encourage me so much. God is our healer & miracle worker.
Your a tremendous blessing.
Psalms 55:22
Love you,
Monique
February 6, 2012 at 5:05 pm
barbaracasasblog
Yes, Monique we must fight harder and stronger for the Glory of God! Yes! He is our healer and he is faithful until the end. God Bless you and most all thank you for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts with me. Love you!
February 6, 2012 at 7:51 pm
jeanette M
Wow this is such a great testimony, I totally look up to you as a woman of God. You are in my prayers. Keep doing what you do, because what you do impacts my life in ways I can’t explain… this had me in tears. But your faith in God is amazing and that is what will get you through 😉 I love you sis Barbara 🙂
February 6, 2012 at 8:21 pm
barbaracasasblog
Praise God Jeanette that you love the Lord the way you do! Never let that fire go down! I appreciate the younger generation so much and believe in you all to pass this on to the next generations to come. God Bless and Love you too!!
February 9, 2012 at 10:04 pm
jeanette M
Yes amen amen. I claim that.. God bless 🙂
February 10, 2012 at 1:10 pm
barbaracasasblog
🙂
February 6, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Jessica
S. Barbara,
I appreciate all the prayers and guidance you have given me growing up! You and your family have been a blessing to me, and to my family. I know that God is going to do great things and He has already done so many great things! He has brought revival to our lives and filled us with His Holy Spirit, never to be the same again! And He has shown us the secret things that we did not know of!(signs and wonders) 🙂 I know He is on the move or the Devil would not try so hard. I know God is refining you and making your faith stronger through every obstacle that Satan comes against you with. We have our armor on and we are ready for battle! One piece of armor that God has been impressing on my heart recently and giving me a new revelation of is the Gospel of peace. When we share with others the good news and the things God has done on our behalf it gives us the strength to trample over the things to come. We are praying for you and for your family too. Keep letting your light shine for the One True God! The joy of the Lord is our strength!
“The Lord is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7
Love you so much,
Jess
February 6, 2012 at 8:19 pm
barbaracasasblog
Thank you Jess everyone you wrote I say a big Amen!! God Bless you and we truly Love you with all our hearts and are very proud of the work God is and will do in your life. God Bless!
February 7, 2012 at 2:41 am
Janet Clay
Sister Barbara. I am once again humbled, as long as there are women of God like you to look up to I can see I have not reached my full potential or even fully surrendered. Thank you for being willing to share the hope you have. Manchester is praying for you. You are close to God therefore i must ask that you keep sister Trini and all the family in prayer as she buries her father this Friday. The family are flying out at different times and all need god’s grace and protection. Love you sister Barbara and as the three degree’s once said ‘when will i see you,,,again’ ooohhhh ahhh precious moments. Jesus love to you
Janet
February 7, 2012 at 2:21 pm
barbaracasasblog
My dear Sister Janet God Bless you and your family and thank you for your kind words that touched my heart. I see you as warrior that has been around for a long time and Loves the Lord and thank God for that. I will pray for Pastor Mike and Sister Trini and their family. Love you!
February 9, 2012 at 10:05 pm
Mandi
Sister Barbara thank you sooo much for sharing your testimony it brings tears to my eyes. You are sooo dear to my heart and i love you soo much as many others. Im am blessed to have you as my pastors wife. Your a tremendous example in my life. You give hope to all through your powerful testimony. The Lord uses you in mighty ways….and i know this is another coarse in life that you will pass and be even a stronger woman of God. Standing by your side with prayer. There is power in numbers. Love you casas family!!!!!:)
February 10, 2012 at 1:13 pm
barbaracasasblog
I also want you the reader to share your stories of triumph and victory over the enemy by writhing your testimonies as well. Yes because like yous aid there is power in numbers. God Bless you Mandi my dear 🙂
February 10, 2012 at 2:17 pm
mrsfernandez1"Isabel Fernandez"
Sis Barbara, You are such a strong woman of God and Your testimony touched me in my heart, you and your family, Pastor Danny are in my prayers THe enemy is such a liar and you will triumph and have victory ……God Bless
February 11, 2012 at 10:54 am
barbaracasasblog
Dear Isabel thank you for reading these blogs they are motivated to encourage and help others to believe God for the imposible no matter where we are in our walk with him. Thank you for your prayers and yes the enemy is the father of all lies and the victory is ours!!!! God Bless!