Second Corinthians chapter one, verse nine is the passage I've chosen for my journey through prostate cancer. Although Paul was speaking specifically about the persecution he and other Christians endured for the Gospel, the emphasis is on the purpose. Persecution or trials of any form solely exist to make us rely on GOD alone, and not ourselves. They happen in order for us to exhaust ourselves of any self effort in order to realize that our total dependence should be on the One Who created, sustains, and has sovereign authority over everything, including our individual lives. One of the Lord's greatest pleasures is when we surrender all to Him so that He receives all the glory He deserves from us, especially those of us who claim Him as Lord. We must avoid using religious cliches and "christianese" to flatter God and make us appear spiritual to man. Yes, it is true – God is good all the time... But, is He good only when things are going good for me??? God is good because it is Who He is, whether our world is good or not. One of the hardest truths to swallow is the fact that prosperity and adversity come from the same Source.

To be clearer, God will sometimes break us in order to use us. A vessel broken by the hands of the Potter will often provide better service to Him because of a clearer understanding and greater reverence for the Maker. Broken or not, we must fully confess and admit to ourselves the words of the Lord Jesus: "...apart from Me you can do nothing."

Visit the blog archive and read from earliest to latest to get the details in chronological order.


9.22.2007

Part Five: The Right Perspective

The next three months are a time of growth - mentally and, most important, spiritually. A dear sister got my information from a former pastor of Christian education at my church. She called and talked with me and the wife and began to encourage us. She is a cancer survivor herself and said something that I'll never forget. She shared how many who go through experiences like this ask the question, "Why me?" She said the real question, especially for the Christian, is "Why not me?" Who am I that I should have a perfect life with no worries, problems, trials, etc.? There are many who go through various issues, even beyond cancer. Am I better than them because of my faith in God?


As I'm going through all of this, I'm thinking that if things are going well, even too well, that means that something's coming to challenge me and grow me to another level. Things like this happen to me to let me know how frail I am in my humanity and how dependent I am on someone much greater than I. Another reason why things like this happen is because of God's purpose in using us for His glory - and specifically for me to be used to help other brothers who are going through the same thing! That's the purpose for this blog!!!


I begin to read more Scripture to help me with the proper perspective on life to help me get through this and be equipped to be used to minister to others. I personally realize that real joy is identified when things are not good circumstantially but your heart is characterized with a peace that passes understanding! I slowly began to focus less on the cancer and more on the sovereignty, providence, and grace of CHRIST!


My time from the diagnosis to surgery is a great adventure of spiritual growth! To sum it all up: My life is nothing, but is everything in Christ alone!!!
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