A Couple More Days

It seems like forever since the surgery date got set, certainly since we first found out about the recurrence of Michelle's cancer. The saying "Let's just get on with it!" is pretty much the mindset for both of us right now. Friday, 3:30pm can't get here soon enough for Michelle; the thought that there is cancer inside of her creates a sense of urgency to get the surgery done. For me, I'm looking more forward to about 4:15pm to 4:30pm; by that the time the surgery should be over and I will be able to breath a sigh of relief as I sit with her in recovery. Funny how you can look forward to something you know is going to cause difficulty, discomfort, and even create some "upheaval" in your life...

That brings to mind the story of the man who was blind from birth that is found in the Book of John, Chapter 9. Following in the beliefs of the day, the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned, the man or his parents, that he would be born blind. You see, they believed that to be born blind was the direct result of sin, so obviously someone had sinned here. Jesus' response was profound and something they could not have expected; He said, "His blindness has nothing to do with his sins or his parents' sins. He is blind so that God's power might be seen at work in him." (John 9:3, TEV) What? This man was born blind and lived his life without sight because God wanted to work in his life to display His power? Yes, that is correct!!! For such a time as what was occurring at that moment, God allowed this man to be born blind and live that way, so that Jesus could heal him and restore his sight, thus displaying the power of God at work. But it was even more than that; they also believed in that day that only God Himself could restore sight to a person who was born blind so, in essence, by healing the man Jesus was proclaiming for all to see that He was and is God!

What a great story and what a great lesson it teaches us. Many times we get confronted in life with things that don't make sense, things that will bring about "pain" in our lives. Our natural tendency is to say, "Why is this happening to me?" Allow me to offer the above story as a simple yet profound answer to that question. God's desire is that as you walk with Him through the "fire", His power might be seen at work in you. While none of us look forward to or relish the thought of trials (only those who are twisted find happiness in them!), perhaps as we grasp this truth as believers we will not only be empowered to get through whatever we may be faced with but also be able to embrace the "discomfort" it may bring our way, knowing God loves us and will use it in our lives for good; knowing that in the process of walking with Him through it, His power will be seen at work in and through you.

The last time Michelle and I walked this road together in January 2001, so many moments stick out to me; many times I will never forget. There is one, though, that is etched into my mind and still today is as fresh as the moment it happened. On our way to have tests run, not much unlike a couple weeks back, I asked Michelle if she was doing okay. In a soft, strong, humble voice she answered; "Yes... If this is what it takes for me to know, in a small way, what it was like for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when He said, "Not my will, Father, but Yours be done." then so be it. Not my will but Yours, Father, be done." In that very moment God's power and glory was seen at work in her, on full display and almost tangible, just like it is now as I watch my wife walk this road again.

We read in the Book of Hebrews, speaking of those who had lived and died in faith before us and establishing them as examples for us to follow, "since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1) Sometimes that race involves suffering, discomfort, and simply "not knowing why." I am blessed and challenged by, as well as thankful for, the example I see in my wife of one who, with conviction, lives out "Not my will but Yours, Father, be done." May we all, like the saints of old and new, say the same.

Keep praying, we love you! - Steve -