Dan's Courageous Example

On March 14, 2010 I posted a blog entry entitled "Gentle Friendship". My dear friend and childhood basketball buddy, Dan, had just been diagnosed with cancer and was beginning a new journey down an unknown path. I shared these words: "I believe that God will put a quiet, unwavering courage and strength inside of Dan this week. I am praying that this courage and strength will be evident to all who are in his path, and that people will stand in awe of what God chooses to do in the coming days."

God has truly answered that prayer as, over the last weeks and months, Dan has consistently demonstrated an unwavering strength and courage beyond all human capability. Dan has faced surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. From the very beginning of this journey, Dan has insisted that God has a plan. He continues to trust God and to stand on a firm foundation.

There was much rejoicing yesterday as Nancy, Dan's faithful wife, announced to our congregation that the latest scan revealed no visible sign of disease in Dan's body. He will complete the last dozen chemotherapy treatments, and has a cruise scheduled in a few weeks.

Nancy reminded us that, if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

When I wrote about my gentle friend on March 14, I had no idea that I would be diagnosed with cancer just 18 days later. While my journey, so far, has been far less extensive than Dan's journey, I found myself relating to Dan and drawing strength from his courageous example as I faced surgery and radiation treatments. I am thrilled to say that there is also no visible sign of disease in my body at this time.

A verse of an old hymn of the faith comes to mind: "Fear not, for I am with thee; O be not dismayed. For I am thy God, and I will still give thee aid. I will strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand. Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

Dan, thank you for showing me through your life that God has a plan, that we can trust Him, and that we have a firm foundation on which to stand. I am convinced that God is not finished with us yet!

All

Sometimes the Holy Spirit removes the scales from our eyes and allows us to see things that have been there all along. On this day, the word that has jumped off of the page is "all". I feel compelled to share some things that have leaped from the scriptures and have landed in my heart.

Psalm 145:13b - The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.

vs 14 - The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

Matthew 6:33 - Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you (another way to say added unto you is "given to you as well").

Psalm 91:9 - If you make the Most High your dwelling.... even the Lord, who is my refuge.... (vs 10) Then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. (vs 11) For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:19 - My God will supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

(vs 7) And the peace of God, which passes (transcends) all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Those are just the verses that I saw on this day. I am sure that I did not even begin to see all of the hundreds of "all verses".

Prayer from a thankful heart:

1) Lord, thank you for all of Your blessings.

2) Thank you for being faithful to keep all of your promises.

3) Thank you for giving me strength to do all things.

4) Thank you for supplying all of my needs. Help me to remember the difference in a want and a need.

5) Even though I still have an occasional "meltdown moment", thank you for giving me a peace that goes beyond all understanding during these days of tremendous change in my life.

"You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek; You are my all in all. Seeking you as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up I'd be a fool; You are my all in all. Taking my sin, my cross, my shame, Rising again I bless Your name; You are my all in all. When I fall down, You pick me up; When I am dry, You fill my cup; You are my all in all."

In all things, worthy is Your name!!