In the midst of our pain over discovering that Daisy’s tumor is back, I cannot help but admit that innumerable good things have come from Daisy’s first battle with cancer, including:
In Daisy’s Life
Daisy herself has a deep faith in God. She is a more beautiful, vibrant, joyful, happy, fun, vivacious little girl for having suffered.
In My Life
I am a better husband and a better father because of our suffering. I am a better friend and a better pastor from having gone through my daughter’s first battle with cancer. I am a better follower of Jesus. I love my wife more than I did. I love my kids more rightly. I love the church of Jesus Christ more. I love Jesus Himself far more than I loved Him before I suffered. I am more in awe of the Gospel: that I have performed so poorly and deserve death but I am treated so kindly and given life. This truth penetrates my life in a more vibrant way than it did before cancer and suffering.
In the Lives of Others
We have heard that many people have come to Christ because of Daisy’s story. We have heard of many prodigals coming home, and the vibrancy of their Christian life returning.
My wife and I looked at each other last week and recounted all the incredibly good things that have come from our suffering. Repeatedly, we have said that these things have made Daisy’s suffering and our suffering worth it. We have said to each other over and over again that we would choose to go through the battle with cancer again because of the way we have experienced Jesus and seen Him glorified in our pain. And we are doing it again.
The Suffering of a Child
When your child suffers it’s more horrific than anything we could ever imagine. It means something to humanity that God gave His own Son to suffer.
God takes our suffering and pain and heartbreaking circumstances and brings beauty out of it, which begins to answer the question: why does God allow His redeemed people to suffer?
In suffering, we are made into better people and Christ is made more beautiful. We believe that even if the worst takes place, tremendous good will come from it. This is what Scripture tells us, and our experience has confirmed it. Before our suffering with cancer, this was theological and theoretical – and now it is practical and experiential. We believe it, but now we have lived it.
The Best and the Worst
Last year was the best year of our lives and the worst year of our lives. This coming year will be worse, but it will also be better.
The pain is unbearable and it feels like we are destroyed, but we are not.
“At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not.”
(Oswald Chambers)[1]
God appears to be all these things in our lives this week – but He is not. God is good. He is wonderful. He is the greatest treasure of our lives.
We say with Job:
Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.
-Job 13:15
[1] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, July 16
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14 Comments
Comment by Annie Wagner — July 21, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
[61:1] The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; [2] to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; [3] to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV)
Britt and Kate ~ As I read this post tonight this verse came to mind in a new way as you share of your suffering. How amazing and God-Inspired that when there should be ashes, mourning, and a spirit that faints, HE has given beauty, gladness, and praise. It is evident that He has planted your feet and faith in Him and His Glory shines through you both. We are praying for your family daily.
All our Love ~ Brett and Annie Wagner
Comment by Tia Digel — July 21, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
Daisy, so praying for you for full recovery!
“This sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God,that Son of God may be glorified through it.” JOhn 11:4
Your healing shall spring forth speedily. Isaiah 58:8
Amen!
Comment by blair britt — July 22, 2010 @ 1:38 am
hi britt,
i just wanted to let you know that there’s yet another friend {myself} in Christ praying for your family and especially your beloved Daisy!
you’re strength, example, and faith are such an inspiration to me especially right now as my mom was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and has just begun chemo this week! what an emotional roller coaster this is proving to be… but it is amazing how we can give these things to the Lord and only He can give us the peace, patience and the grace to follow Him through it! i know how important prayer and support are in times such as these and i will be sure to pass along little miss daisy’s story to all of my family’s prayer warriors, in hopes that we can help support your precious family.
here’s a verse that a friend sent to me that i’d like to pass along to daisy:
Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.
i really hope and pray that she will someday soon be able to look back at this time in her life and know that she was delivered by God and with Him, she can face any challenge that may come her way! =)
God bless you guys!
*blair
Comment by JoAnn Howard — July 22, 2010 @ 7:41 am
Speechless and in tears after reading this. Will continue praying for you and Daisy and your lovely family. Your love and faith in God is amazing!
Comment by julie de young — July 22, 2010 @ 10:09 am
The depth of the family’s faith has given such assurance to so many that we really do have a Big God who does hear us and care for us and that we can believe when we pray that there will be another day. Thanks you Daisy and your precious family for you are indeed changing so many lives, beginning with our family and my co-workers at work who for the first time understand about suffering and how and why as Christians we go through it victorious. Britt, thank you for being friends with my son Skip. You have made and are making a difference in his and Fawn Ray’s life. God bless you and your precious family. Proverbs 3 always comes to mind: Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on our own understanding… Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path…Thank you for being so diligent to update all of us on a daily basis. We have followed your story daily and are strenthened by it and continue to be so. Julie de Young
Comment by Annie Chabot — July 22, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
Amazing blog…amazing words, amazing work He is doing in and through you and Kate and Daisy Love and Isaiah…It is mind-blowing that you can encourage increasingly in your despair and trials. This is true faith. You guys are like the apostles:) Great suffering producing great lives usable and joyful in every circumstance. Amen.
Comment by patty r. — July 22, 2010 @ 12:39 pm
dear merrick family, i came across your site through preschoolers and peace and have been following it for weeks now. my heart broke when i heard of daisy’s tumor returning……i am so sorry. i want you to know that i will be praying for you and your sweet daisy. i was so encouraged by today’s post….the way you’ve been able to see the beauty in your suffering spoke volumes to me, and it’s a valuable lesson that i will take to heart. we serve a great and faithful God and though it hurts at times, His ways really are better than our ways. i will continue to pray…..
~patty r.
Comment by the Downing's — July 22, 2010 @ 3:25 pm
Dear Britt,
After listening to your “struck down but not destroyed” sermon. I posted it for others to listen, to pray and to be changed…
It is faith-affirming & strengthening when you hear of the beauty your family has seen through the ashes of suffering in your precious little Daisy-love.
And now to be experiencing it once again… and to look to God for His plan, His will and His strength makes me speechless…
It takes ones eyes off of themselves and their situations and puts them back on God. The One who is control over all.
I thank you for your humility and transparency in sharing so freely in your time of pain and suffering. I can only hope in some small way telling you that we are faithfully lifting you and your beautiful family up in prayer and interceding for you in prayer that we can help hold your arms up… stretched to the heavens praising our Lord & Savior from whom all our blessings flow…
Our love & prayers~
Comment by Mary Ellen Pankratz — July 22, 2010 @ 5:22 pm
Daisy,
When I listened to your father’s first sermon when you were diagnosed with cancer, I felt the spirit of God rising in me. When I listened to his sermon this past week, I was again moved by, not only you family’s faith, but the love that flowed out of your father’s lips for you and your Mom and brother.
Daisy, God is with you and He will continue to bear you up. I am praying that His legions of angels surround you and your family. That you feel His presence and that you will experience HIs peace in a mighty way.
I stand with you because I know that His lovingkindness is better than life and you are precious in His sight. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God and you are HIS DAISY LOVE!!
Comment by Lisa Hickey — July 24, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
I’ve been following your adorable daughter’s story for some time now. What a beautiful family you are! Just wanted to say that I’m thinking of Daisy and sending her tons of loving, healing thoughts! My 9 year old son races mountain bikes and raises money for the Pablove Foundation, fighting childhood cancer with love! He rides for Daisy!!!!
Comment by Amy Fatzinger — July 26, 2010 @ 8:48 pm
Heard this song and thought it sounded like you could have written it yourself. I hope this eventually gets to you. Praying for your family in ATL, and for your precious Daisy.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1461427368222
(This is Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn)
Comment by Tommy — July 27, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
Thank you… so much! For allowing us to see the depths of your walk with God.
Comment by Randy — August 11, 2010 @ 9:30 pm
Brother Britt,
Thank you. My friends and I are praying for Daisy and your family.
Our family has been through breast cancer with my wife, so your message on “Struck Down But Not Destroyed” totally resonates with me. I’m tracking with you, brother.
BTW, thanks for the good boards–I’m riding a 6-0 Pod on the coast of Texas.
~Randy
Comment by Lynn Belding — August 21, 2010 @ 11:50 pm
I love this story and the truth told therein.
I have had first hand experience with pain and suffering in my 53 years and have discovered this fact:
Mathematical Equation SUFFERING = BLESSING!!
God Bless Daisy and all the people who get to read your family’s incredible story.
Written with Love
Lynn
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