Teenager Comes To Grips With Shattering News
Grace Taufeek

 Here is Grace Taufeek's story in her own words:

It was just after grade eight graduation, and I was looking forward to a long summer break. Little did I know how that summer would change my life.

In early July, 2003 I started feeling very tired and had severe pain in my abdomen, lower back and legs. An ultrasound showed a mass around my spinal canal. I was admitted to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto where we received the shocking news: I had a cancerous tumor on my spine. So many feelings passed through me all at once. I was confused, sad, mad, and scared as I was trying to realize what was really happening. I knew God allowed this to happen, but I didn’t know why. Somehow God gave me peace so that I could accept it.

The tumor was in a very delicate spot, so the doctors were only able to remove enough to release the pressure on my spine. That helped with the pain in my lower back and legs. I had stressful chemotherapy, and rounds of radiation. Before any of my tests or sessions with the doctor, I prayed with my Mom and Dad. I was quite scared – sometimes even to tears – but deep down, I always had a sense of peace.

I had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour a few years before. Since I was hospitalized that whole summer, I found much more time to read my Bible. My relationship with God was strengthened, as I felt His comfort and peace. Sometimes I still asked, “Why me, God?” It encouraged me when I remembered that God has a purpose in everything (Romans 8:28). Since I was saved and part of the family of God, when I got out of the hospital I wanted to be baptized. I wanted my life to be a witness for Christ. I was consecrating my life to God.

Today I am still fighting this horrible disease. It is only with the help of my Lord that I have made it this far. He has helped me through the pain, needles, treatments, and bad reports we have received from the doctors. Right now, I go to hospital twice a week for blood tests, and I am on a special new chemotherapy.

People I know and people I don’t know are praying for me! My home assembly (church) has made a difference with thoughtful prayers, caring actions, sincere love and beautiful gifts. This shows the love of the Christian family of God. I can’t imagine how difficult this experience would be without the Lord Jesus Christ. All I can do is pray and depend on the Lord for the rest!

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” (1Peter 5:7)
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4).

– Written by Grace Taufeek in October, 2004 for her school yearbook.

Shortly after she wrote this article the doctor told her that there was nothing more they could do except try to manage her severe pain. The next day, Grace wrote this prayer in her personal diary:

“Dear Lord Jesus:
I know everything is in Your hands. It has always been. I do not know what Your plan is; but I know You! Of course, I want to get better; but You may have other plans. I accept whatever You do. I thank you so much for everything You have done for me. You may want me to be with You any day soon. I love you, Lord. I thank You for dying on the cross of me and saving me from my sins.

Lord, you have helped, comforted, calmed and cheered me up. You have brought me through a whole year and about three months. Now, please let me be able to see the yearbook when it comes. I am really excited – two weeks please…”

These were the last words Grace wrote in her diary. God granted her prayer and gave her exactly two weeks – and she saw the yearbook!

If you were keeping a journal, would you be able to write with such confidence and assurance about your eternal destiny?

Make sure when your time comes to die you have nothing left to do but die.