Carol and I have been home now about 4 weeks! It’s wonderful to be home. There’s nothing like being in an environment where you feel more secure and there’s family. (See the pic of Mr. Smith, my grandson? We’re doing wheelchair rides now!)
Though being home is great, we’ve had our challenges in all of this. Battling cancer and my multitude of side effects is at times overwhelming. And like I have said many times, there’s always someone out there whose circumstances are worse than yours, huh? Everyone has a sad story at times, but the difference is all in how you respond to what life throws your way.
One of my new doctors asked me today, “So what did you do before this happened to you?” I was a bit confused because my calling to lead at IHC is what I still do; it just looks a little different. I said, “You mean, what did I do for a living?” He said, “Yeah.” I told him that I am a pastor at a Christian church. With a big smile, he said, “Oh, then you have ‘connections!’” Ha. I laughed and said, “Yes, I do.”
As a God-follower, my foundation and ‘connections’ are rooted in Him. In Jesus. One of the truths in Scripture that I remind God of constantly is His promise in I Corinthians 10:13 where it says, “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
I’ve told Him many times, “this is past my limit, Lord.” But He knows something I obviously don’t. The theology in all of this is that God is Sovereign; and I choose to remain under the umbrella of His Sovereignty. That means simply put, God’s Got This. It’s a promise for Christians who have their foundation in Him. Sadly, it’s not a promise for everyone. It’s a promise for those who choose to live “in Him.” And anyone at anytime can choose to live there. He loves us so much; it’s what He wants for us.
Somehow, some way, He knows. He knows what you can handle and what you can’t. Romans 8:28 is a similar foundational passage and promise that you and I can count on. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose. If you’re not buying all of this, what are your other options? Trust in yourself? Good luck! With that you end up at the most just glibly saying, “Well, I just believe that everything happens for a reason.” That’s weak.
The fact is, I would have never ever signed up to go through what I’ve been going through the past almost two years. It sucks! But my Savior and yours is faithful. Have I wanted to give up? What do you think? Yes. But I have not. I plan on fighting and doing my part all the while trusting in a bigger perspective that brings a priceless commodity called peace. Do you have it? A peace that passes all understanding? It is available to you just like it is to me. Just ask.
I covet your prayers continually. And here is what you can specifically pray for me today if you would be so kind:
- That God would use the brain radiation treatment I will be undergoing to destroy any hidden leukemia cells.
- That God would give Carol respite from her overwhelming new caregiver job description. (one day we will tell you about the impact all of this has had/is having on our marriage)
- That God would restore my strength and allow me to walk again someday.
- That I would experience His joy in uncertainty.
I could list a bunch of other requests, but for today those are good. I thank you all for taking time to read this and actually turn your heart towards Him; not just for me, but for yourself and your family.
I’m looking forward to speaking at IHC real soon and hanging out with you guys there. You are an amazing community.
Dave