In the Machine

by Linda McMillan

As I mentioned in a recent post, my wife, Linda, was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. As she has been going through chemo and radiation treatments, the Holy Spirit has given her some powerful insights, which she has written down and I am now publishing on my blog. I pray you will be blessed by them. Pastor Roy

“I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go.” Genesis 28:15.

This is the Scripture verse chosen for me for 2020. I was not able to make it to Evangel’s New Year’s Eve service, so my husband, Pastor Roy, put his hand in the basket with the Scripture cards and “randomly” chose one for me. I say “randomly” in quotes because I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit led him to this card.

And God has been keeping this promise to me. Throughout my cancer treatment, I have felt the Lord’s presence with me. As I lay in the radiation machine used to treat my GYN cancer, I look up at the ceiling and see a cutout in the shape of a cross. I am reminded that Jesus loved me so much that he took my sin upon His shoulders, went to the cross, defeated death, and rose again so that I could have eternal life. I know that He is with me in that room.

From that cross in the ceiling emanates a green beam. Tiny tattoos on my body are lined up with the beam so that I will be in perfect alignment with the machine, which then can deliver the radiation at just the right angle. I am reminded that when I line myself up with the teachings of Jesus, I am in perfect position to receive the Lord’s blessings and to bless others.

The machine that delivers the radiation is comprised of three large arms, one with a camera to take CT images of my pelvis, another with a panel to reflect the images to the technicians in the other room, and a third with the instrument that delivers the radiation. I am reminded of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and feel a sense of peace enveloping me.

As I watch the camera click away taking the images of my pelvis, I am reminded that I am created in God’s image. Then, as the panel that reflects the images to the technicians passes over me, I am reminded that I am to reflect the image of Christ to others. Finally, as the arm with the instrument that delivers the radiation passes over me, I am reminded that just as the radiation is eradicating any remaining cancer in my body, so must I allow the Holy Spirit to fill me and eradicate anything that is not pleasing to the Lord.