Hurry Up and Wait

Tick-tock goes the clock. Countless hours have been spent waiting for doctors in cold, stark exam rooms. What am I waiting for? If I’m more than fifteen minutes late they can give away my time to someone else, yet I have to twiddle my thumbs when I’m prompt and they’re running late. At last the whites of their eyes appear, and I’m given 10 minutes at most to converse and ask questions. Why wait? It comes down to need. Their knowledge, skill and expertise are needed to treat what ails me. Getting rid of cancer obviously necessitates much more than a band-aid. This disease is beyond one’s own ability to vanquish. So here we are; myself and many other patients – just waiting.

I wonder what the medical professionals think when those of us with cancer are on their treatment schedule? Once we’re finally called I guess I can’t blame them if they rush through the procedures without making eye contact or small talk. After all it can’t be easy seeing so many people with serious illnesses and yet a little TLC would make it seem more worth the wait. Since I will be scanned, tested and poked for years to come I need to learn what the Lord is doing in me through playing the waiting game. Here I am in a situation beyond my control, in a place I’d spent most of my life trying to avoid. What am I supposed gain from this? Among other things, the Lord wants me to comprehend His desire to increase my dependence on Him. I’ll bet my readers can relate to that. God’s Word is chock full of teachings on the benefits of patience.

Moses and the Hebrews were stuck between the Red Sea and the Egyptians who were in hot pursuit. ‘And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14)’ Stand still and let the Lord fight this battle. It’s no coincidence that when we step aside and allow the Lord to exercise His strong arm the outcome is so much better than we could have ever planned. Would I not want the Lord to do His best to overthrow the enemy threatening my life?

Being patient doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m more inclined to dive in and get it done. Reflecting back on attempts to hurry up and solve problems, I’ve admittedly noticed missteps along the way. Open loopholes, terrible misunderstandings and the need for damage control may be left in the wake of the take charge approach. The scriptures teach; “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4) Impetuous, hasty decisions may leave out steps that are critical and crucial to God’s best for me. When it comes to my health I don’t want to be lacking anything. Maybe a better way to look at the doctor’s delay with entering the room is they are still gathering all the information needed for a complete plan of care?! Maybe the waiting time is a good time to pray for wisdom, for my doctor, for the receptionist or whoever may cross my path. A simple verse – a simple reminder to conclude this topic: “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Pleasure in Infirmities

How strange - how foreign to our sensibilities to see the good about feeling so bad! It’s perfectly natural to strive for perfect health and well being. In fact it should be a top priority to live as healthy as possible. Therefore when we find ourselves shaken to the core by a crisis we don’t know how to handle it. Without my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I would have handled the cancer news very differently I’m sure. Perhaps I would have grabbed the bottle like many who’ve been close to me when tough times come along. Trying to work toward a life without grief or pain is certainly an exercise in futility, isn’t it? When things don’t work out as planned it’s easy to be immersed in self-pity over the injustice of it all, followed by vain attempts to escape reality with whatever is at hand. Don’t do it. There is a better way.

The apostle Paul was no stranger to trials and troubles. He wrote to the church at Corinth: “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-28, 12:10)

Wow. Was Paul some kind of super-Christian who never had a day of doubt? I suspect not. Only Jesus Christ was perfect in every way. What we do see is that Paul was totally surrendered to Christ and that enabled him to put himself aside and lay down his life (as Christ did) for others. Such a goal though not necessarily easy, is attainable. The truth be told, how little it helps our health and well being to dwell on personal pain and suffering. Admittedly in the darkest days when cancer was new to me and it seemed like I’d never see the end of chemo treatments, there were some shaky moments of faith. Certainly there was no pleasure with the side effects, yet in retrospect I can see benefits beyond measure. Here’s how.

The ultimate goal of the Christian is to pick up the cross and follow hard after Jesus. Picking up the cross means dying to self; self-indulgence, self-pity, and the need to feed self-esteem. Christ alone is worthy and it’s only by His will and grace that I am privileged to breathe at all. Cancer has been just one cross I’ve had to bear in my walk thus far, but undoubtedly the most challenging. I’ve been blessed to be in this situation beyond my control to learn greater dependence on the One who “created all things and in whom all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16-17)  Prayer to Jesus, the immortal, invincible God is the most powerful weapon in this battle against the invader to the body. Prayer provides the wisdom and peace to know what treatment is best and count on God for the rest. Great pleasure is found in boldly approaching the “throne of grace,that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) It isn’t fatalistic to realize the fragility of life when the body is assailed by chemical concoctions and crazy laser beams aimed to kill a physical enemy within. This life is but a vapor and the body is but dust, but the soul remains forever. With the soul reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus Christ, the peace that surpasses all understanding makes it easier to pick up the cross and go on. (Philippians 4:7)

I take pleasure in my infirmities when God uses them as a door for me to speak to others about Him. Cancer is analogous to sin; it must be cut out in order for the body to thrive and can amazingly function much better without it. Never would I say it was wrong for the Lord to allow me as one of His children to suffer cancer. All things including cancer work together for good to those who love God and have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) If even one person comes to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a result of this trial God gave me the patience to endure it's worth it. To anyone reading my written thoughts or hearing my spoken words I hope the truth and mercy of Jesus rings loud and clear. Because Jesus endured the cross of shame on my behalf it’s more than worth it to become a living sacrifice unto Him. (Romans 12:2, Hebrews 12:2)

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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My Stength and Song

Certain songs of praise to God have struck a chord deep within my heart me at just the right time during this bout with cancer. It’s truly amazing how the Lord has used these instruments of righteousness to keep my mind on Him and off my troubles. Right about the time I was diagnosed, I had decided to give up on talk radio during drive time and instead tuned in to the local Christian radio station. This choice was so opportune, much more edifying and much less frustrating.

My main source of strength needs to always be drawn from the Holy Spirit living in me, teaching me the meaning of God’s Word, and turning my mind back to Him. It is absolutely critical to have a sure foundation in God’s Word; a personal relationship with Him not dependent on the teaching of men. (1 John 2:27) These days in which we live are filled silly notions about God and false doctrines abound. Music, if not properly chosen can lead one astray from the true God expressed through the pages of Scripture. Yet, if these melodies meant to “hit home” reflect the truth about God, His endless care and steadfast presence I am safe from being compromised by worldly ways. (A few of these songs are posted as You Tube links on my blog.)

“Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns resonates with the angst of being in a trial and yet not losing hope in the Lord. “My strength is almost gone. How can I carry on?... But as the thunder rolls, I hear you whisper through the rain, ‘I’m with you.’ I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord; Maker of heaven and earth.” The writer here is referencing Psalm 121. Oh, how these reminders gave me the strength to carry on to doctor appointments, tests and scans. How sweet it was to hear our friend Sean Stone sing this song for us at our 15 year vow renewal this past June!



Gabe & Sean



Our friend Gabe Moreno blessed us when he played “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin at our vow renewal. This of course is the old hymn updated with a new refrain that reminds believers in Jesus Christ that our chains of sin are gone and we’ve been set free from the curse of death. “My God – My Savior has ransomed me and like flood, His mercy rains; unending love – amazing grace.” As Gabe sang that song, memories of being tempted to despair over the loss of my hair briefly flashed back into focus. Thankfully when I heard this song on the radio and at our church worship services, the Lord reminded me that because He died I can live. Though this body is held captive by the curse of original sin, a new body is promised to me that will never wear out all thanks to Jesus sacrificing all for me on that cross. “The Son of Man came to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) …”Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)

“Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)” by Casting Crowns is an excellent re-telling of the Gospel message. Again, there are counterfeits to Biblical Christianity but only the God of the Bible lived as a man, died a criminal’s death, and rose from the grave to bring salvation to all who would choose Him. Amazingly He both died for those that love Him and those that hate Him. The song, telling us “death could not hold Him – the grave could not keep Him,” reminds me of 1 Corinthians 15: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures… (verses 3-4)” New King James Version-1 Corinthians 15 Whether I live countless years on this planet or cancer claims me sooner than later, I can be at peace. Since death had no sting over Christ, it has no power over me either. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) Christians, let this mind not be true of you. 

After Moses and the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea he declared, “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him.” (Exodus 15:2) Words of praise have no power to control God and will not persuade Him to do anything against will; however lifting up His name in spirit and in the truth especially in dry, desert places pleases Him beyond measure. Remember this world is not our hope, nor is it our home.  We have a life that goes beyond the grave and exists outside of time, all because of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.  Oh what a glorious day it will be to stand before my King, face to face!  In the meantime I know I can truly praise Him in the storm because He is raised from the grave, alive forever more. May no trial we face ever cause us to forget that Jesus Christ is our eternal strength and our never-ending song.

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/



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Eyes on the Prize

The common understanding of this idiom is to “keep your focus on achieving a positive end result.” Before expanding on that idea, here are some fun facts about the eye.

• Your eye will focus on about 50 things per second.
• Your eyes contribute towards 85% of your total knowledge.
• Under the right conditions, the human eye can see the light of a candle at a distance of 14 miles.

In the natural world we must focus our attention for example on driving down the road without crashing, so the ability to see many things all at once is useful. It must be obvious that the other 15% of our knowledge is accrued through our other senses. It’s interesting the eyes assume the majority of the work. How crucial is our sight! How important it is to be careful what we put before our eyes! I find the last fun fact listed above the most relevant in charging us to keep our “eyes on the prize.” Jesus Christ is the Light upon which we must fix our gaze.

The repeated exhortation from the Lord in His Word is to keep our focus on Him. Yes, we live and breathe in this world, but “our [true] citizenship is in Heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21) Wow! That’s a mouthful, but so right on. Though now we are confined to the constraints of time, space and matter, making us susceptible to pain, and bound to age and die, the Creator of the universe will one day transform us to be like Him: translated and transfigured to live forever with Him in Heaven. (Matthew 17:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:2)

What a glorious day that will be. Yet when in the midst of a painful, physical trial it’s admittedly challenging to see the light of Christ. What man and medicine do to make us better alters the way our bodies look and work. Instead of focusing on the one clear goal of Christ, we’re apt to get distracted by the 50 things around us: the medical bills, isolation (because chemo cause susceptibility to infection), and concerns about cancer changing our vocation. I want to comfort the reader to be comforted as I have been, to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) He is the only way to be sustained in times of want or in times of plenty.

When our spiritual eyes are fixed on the temporal we can easily become discouraged by wondering when the time of testing will be over. Focusing on the Creator, the One who spoke the world into existence and the same One who will one day call me home eases the burden and travail I experience. “Under the right conditions”, though the time I meet Him face to face may be still in the distance, I can see Him better than ever. The conditions I speak of are the trials themselves. Consider God’s servant Job. He endured much worse than I have ever known, but he never cursed God and continued the quest to find Him though hard pressed on every side. Job spoke directly to the Lord toward the end of his tumultuous battle saying, "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.” (Job 42:5) Awesome!

The purpose of this life is to grow in intimacy with the Lord. As we go deeper with Him we become more useful to others in pointing the way to Him. I’ll close with this great reminder. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3: 12-14) Let’s encourage one another to keep our eyes on the prize!

 

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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