Faith | What if an unanswered prayer was actually a gift?

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with B Cell Diffuse Lymphoma. The doctor who gave my diagnosis over the telephone said I would receive a follow-up phone call the next day to schedule a scan. The scan would determine if the cancer had spread.

I anxiously awaited the call.

The next day no one called. I prayed and continued to pray that I would receive a phone call to set up a doctor’s visit and a scan. This continued for several days, and I began to wonder if God was hearing my sincere plea.

I learned at a young age the power of prayer and up to that point, had seen the hand of God in the details of my life. He always answered my prayers.

Why wasn’t he hearing my prayer, and why wasn’t anyone from the medical provider’s office calling me back?

On day thirteen, I felt prompted to call a larger clinic in a nearby city. With tears, I left a voicemail for the doctor, wondering if they would be able to see me. I explained in my message that I had five children, and needed to determine if I should start planning my funeral.

The next day I received a phone call from the larger clinic asking if I could come the following day. Without any hesitation, I told them I would be there.

During that appointment, I learned that this oncology doctor specialized in the exact type of cancer plaguing me. The local clinic also called me that same day, but I decided to keep my visit with the out-of-town doctor. I ultimately decided to start chemotherapy at the local clinic, with the out-of-town doctor overseeing my care.

Because of that doctor’s expertise, he knew exactly what chemo I needed, and how much. He made certain my extensive chemo was thorough, and then recommended I have additional lumbar puncture chemo as a preventative measure to keep it from coming back in the brain. I was reassured by him my cancer was very treatable and curable, which put my mind at ease.

Fast-forward a year later, as I was reflecting on my journey.

I realized in those moments of desperation, fear, and uncertainty, I had spent a great deal of time wondering if God was there.

Why didn’t I receive a phone call from the local provider’s office like I was told I would?

Thirteen days pass by incredibly slowly. Hour by hour I found myself wondering if my life was coming to an end. During a time of reflection, a song from my youth popped into my head, “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks.

While sitting in a church class a year post-chemo with clear scans, it occurred to me that if I had received the call from the local provider earlier, I wouldn’t have reached out to the out-of-town doctor, and may not have received the specific care I needed.

I am reminded of a quote by religious leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf which states, “How blessed we are if we recognize God’s handiwork in the marvelous tapestry of life.”

I am so thankful to God for his unanswered prayer.

As Garth says, “Remember when you’re talkin’ to The Man upstairs, that just because he doesn’t answer, doesn’t mean he don’t care. ... Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”

Guest Spiritual Life writer Kara Kirk is a member in the Richland Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.