…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, (Philippians 3:10)
Yesterday, I broke the news to my Church that I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Telling my family and my Church the news has been one of the most devastating things I have ever had to do. Yet at the same time the support and love that has been returned has been amazing. We never fully understand how important we are to others until a time like this. But it has been a great comfort to me to know just how many people care and are willing to do whatever is necessary.
I am sorry to my family, my friends, and my Church for the burden this adds to them. There will be several weeks that the Church will have to come together and hold things together – truthfully I know they are up to the task because it won’t be the first time they have done it.
I have decided that for me this will be a learning experience. The first thing that came to my mind was the verse in Philippians which talks about the “fellowship of His sufferings”. Through these trials we get to appreciate a tiny portion of what Jesus endured. I also now know what it is like to be told, “you have cancer.” Looking back I wasn’t near as sensitive to that as I will be going forward. The third thing I have learned or rather experienced is my desire to get as close to Jesus as I can. My healing rests in being near Jesus.
Now for the good news! There is at this time every reason to believe that I will have a complete recovery. Thank you for praying for me and for trusting me as Pastor. I still have plans to get to heaven by way of the rapture, but either way I win!
