Today is such a good day. I’m alive and appreciating every moment. Thank you, God, for new life!
These two verses have been my heart and soul this past year:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
This past year, I layed in a hospital bed or walked around the house quoting those verses over and over; believing them. God is in control. He is bigger than medicine and He can do anything. I read the story of the leper in Luke 5 and the amazing simplicity of what he asked (begged) Jesus to do: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” When I read those words, I say, “Why not, Lord? You can do this. Come on, Lord, it’s a legit prayer!” Until you are in a position as I have been or am now, it’s a bit difficult to comprehend.
You are friends, family, my church family, and people I don’t even know. And, I thank you with all my heart for believing in faith that God’s Got This. To know that you care and you are praying for me is amazing. To know that there is a friend of mine in the jungles of India praying that God would not rest until He touched my body – crazy. What a comfort.
One year ago, I had a stem cell transplant. Two days later something changed inside me. Wow. I was different. I believe the Lord just in His simple way said, “I am answering the prayers, Dave.” Then, he whispered, “I’m not finished with you yet.” I had freedom. Don’t underestimate what He can and will do. No, I did not ever want to hear the word relapse. When you hear the words, “brain cancer,” don’t you just cringe into saying, “Oh no, that’s it for Dave.” Please don’t say that. God is up for more miracle movement! He is either not finished with me yet, or He is getting ready to show us all that the sting of death has been defeated and His glory will shout to the world in my life or in my death. Read your Bible. It’s true.
Thank you for continuing to hope and believe for what His Will is for me. I’m one year old today! I get my immunizations soon. My spirit and soul are alive and I have one mission in this life: to build His Ecclesia (church), which is the hope of the world. If my mantra these next days could just be: I’m here to love people, to love the people closest to me, then that would be enough. So, if I can do that, don’t you give up! God’s Got This is for you, too. He is real; He is personal. It’s time. Say “yes” to Him today.
These song lyrics are where I’m living today. And they are for you, too: I’m living with a strong faith even though I’m scared because my feet may fail and the ocean’s big. I can’t see; but my faith will stand as I call on Him. Sovereign Hand, be my guide. My trust is without borders. My faith must be made stronger. Spirit lead me.
Dave