Jan & I wanted to share a little more about our journey with all of you. The love & support & prayers has been overwhelming, and we are truly grateful. As Paul testifies in 2Cor 1:11, “you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.” Some of you may not feel that He is answering your prayers, but that is not true. We share Paul’s testimony, as God has blessed us in so many ways, we are convinced that this is the result of your prayers for us. There is no other explanation. We also testify of His faithfulness, and the faithfulness of His Word. Countless times He has brought a verse(s) to us that is perfect for our needs. For His peace (Is 26:3), or comfort (2Cor 1:3), or joy (Jn 15:11), or sleep (Pr 3:24). Ps 55:22 declares “Cast your burdens upon the Lord & He will sustain you.” We can stand with the truth of this promise. Just today the doctor informed us that she is surprised that I am not in extreme pain. That others in my situation are on strong pain killers. When we heard this, Jan shouted, “Praise God!” Amen!, another prayer being answered that we didn’t even ask! My biggest physical challenge is my digestive system, and trying to gain some weight. For this I do ask for your prayers.
Though the doctors may have given up, we believe that only God knows our expiration date. We “choose life” (Duet 30:19), and recognize that “the battle is not mine, but God’s” (2Chr 20:15). We continue to live each day as the Lord brings it to us. We still have more to learn in this area, but are enjoying each day that He gives, asking that we might honor Him.
I have learned much, but I will pass on a few things that may encourage you. As I reflect & ponder the possibilities, what’s truly important stands out. For something to stand out, first other things must fade away. For me, “stuff” has become meaningless. For those who know me, I haven’t even washed my car in months! Second, those that know me well, know that I have loved adventures, and God has granted me to experience many. But now, even those remaining on my list have faded. So what remains? Not what, who! It’s only family & friends! All of you who have been part of our lives, who have loved us, encouraged us, prayed for us. That’s what’s important! That’s why we want to now pray for all of you.
I have always been a doer. Now that my body won’t let me “do” very much, I have struggled with this. Way too much of my identity was tied up in my “doing”. But the Holy Spirit led me to a passage in John (14:12-14), where Jesus promises that we will “do” greater works than Him! Wow! But how can I do that? In the very next verse He defines the “greater works” as prayers that will be answered, that the Father would be glorified through them. So now I can “do” these works by praying. It is fitting, that I begin with you, all of you who been praying for us, for months! Many of you I know by name, but I also realize that many, many more have lifted us up that we don’t even know. What a blessing this is for us! I pray for each of you, that God might reveal Himself to you, that you might know deeper the hope that is in Christ alone, and that your faith & trust in Him might grow through your serving us in this way.