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.


1.11.2008

Part Fifteen: Don't Put It Off!!!

There's a phrase going around about prostate cancer diagnosis which is "watchful waiting." In other words, don't really do anything about it for now. Just wait and keep checking on it to see if it gets worse. That's a bad move - to not move at all!!! Remember, prostate cancer is slow-growing in its early stages as long as it is contained within the prostate. But, it is growing.


In October 2007, the first week, I had the gracious opportunity to give my testimony at church twice - first during our Wednesday night Bible study and then Saturday during a monthly Men's fellowship. At the Men's fellowship (which is every first Saturday) we also had our annual free men's prostate screening following the service - which is how I was diagnosed in 2006!!! I found out later that a few brothers had high PSA numbers. One of them introduced himself to me at another men's Bible study group that I attend on Monday nights. He told me that he was tested the year before and had a high PSA result but didn't do anything about it. I told him, "That's not good." He went on to say that he was still waiting on the results from the '07 screening and that he really enjoyed my testimony. About a week later he grabbed me and said, "I got my results back. I'm in trouble." I told him, "No you're not. Let's talk." I shared with him more information and directed him to read my blog for more details and doctor info. The last time I spoke with him he told me that he had his biopsy done and the results were positive. His next step was to speak with the doctor about surgical options and he was very interested in the robotic procedure.


The brother could be in far worse shape, but the point is this: DON'T PUT IT OFF, BROTHERS!!!!! Get yourself tested! Early detection is a blessing! Being tested positive is only a negative if you wait too long!!! Make that doctor's appointment and MAN-UP to take the finger (digital exam) and the needle (PSA)!!! PEACE!!!
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