Last summer I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and was subsequently treated at the Christie where I had a bone marrow transplant in November 2008. Over the last year I have really appreciated all the support and prayer from the church. Unfortunately, on 4th August this year, I was told that the Leukaemia has returned and that, in medical terms, there is no possibility of long-term cure.

It was difficult news to hear, especially after everything seemed to be going so well. There is a temptation to ask the question “why me?” but I don’t feel this is a Biblical response to suffering. The Bible teaches that sin and man’s rebellion against God caused the whole world to be subject to suffering (Gen. 3:14-19; Rom. 8:18-26) and that Christians are by no means exempt from that. Indeed, a more Biblical response would be “why shouldn’t it be me” In fact, as a Christian, I know that suffering is used lovingly by God (Heb. 12:4-11).

I’m so grateful that I have been brought up with the teaching that the Bible is the Word of God because as I read it I see a God who is totally just and in control of all things. He is sovereign and “works all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purposes” (Rom. 8:28) and “in conformity to the purpose of His will” (Eph.1:11). It’s good to know that life is not random and that, although I may not always understand everything that happens, there is greater purpose at work.

When I think about the future I am comforted by the hope of a resurrection body and eternal life with the Lord Jesus in glory (1 Thess. 4:13-14; 2 Cor. 5:1-8) and while it is difficult to face this kind of situation, I can do so joyfully because I know where I am going when I do die. As Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was on his death bed he famously complained that his doctor was “keeping him from the glory.” It is this attitude of hope and joy that I pray will remain strong in me throughout this time.

At this time the doctors are confident that I could well have many, many months of life left. What I would ask is that, while you remember me in prayer, in conversation it is not all about leukaemia. I would like to enjoy and use productively what time I may have left. I don’t want to live life with the terminal nature of the illness defining me. I don’t believe that would be glorifying to God. It is He who holds my life in His hands (Psalm 113:16) and directs my footsteps (Prov. 16:9). What’s more I would seek to be defined by Christ rather than leukaemia (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:20-24).

It would also be helpful if this was the case when talking to my family; it is difficult enough for them without every conversation being about my impending mortality. We would also ask that ‘medical’ and ‘technical’ questions are avoided. The basic facts are as outlined above and the medical reasons behind them are not really important. The condition is also fairly complex and really only a haematology consultant is likely to understand the details (in any case, to expect an accurate explanation of the science from mum would be ambitious to say the least – to say she’s not exactly medically astute would be an understatement!).

While, in medical terms, there is nothing that can ultimately be done I do believe in a God of miracles. If it is God’s will to heal me then He certainly can do that but I want to remain realistic and accept that this kind of miracle is rare. He will do the right and best thing. So I would ask that in your prayers you ask that, if He wills, God heals me and if not that my faith, and that of mum and David, remains strong and that our faith and joy will be a great witness and the gospel may be shared so that either way God will be glorified.

Thank you all and God bless.

Yours in Christ
Chris Pitt
2 Corinthians 4:8-9