18 Months Later a Good Report - But no guarantee
January 20th 2010, I got the surprise of my life when coming out of the fog of a multiple hour surgery, the doctor told me I had lung cancer. Six surgeries and surgical procedures later they told me they got it all and I was clear, for the moment. The problem, as I¹m sure you know, is that cancer has a way of coming back. So far every check up since then has been good, but I knew that the 18 month check up was an important one. This past Wednesday, Deb and I found out that two of the multiple cysts in my lungs did grow a little over the past six months and while none of the doctors think this is cancer we will have to wait another 3 months to see if they continue to develop. While this is a good report it appears that for the rest of my life I¹ll have to live with uncertainty as to exactly what is happening inside me. But what about all the promises I can claim in the Bible? What about all the prayers? Can I count on God being faithful? Through the years I have found that when people go through difficult times and trials some grow stronger while many grow disappointed and even angry with God. They believe that God did not keep his promises and their faith is shaken or shattered. Often I find the problem is we have a false understanding of God and the Bible. This misunderstanding is encouraged and taught by false teachers and pastors and can be devastating to your faith. If you are not going to be one of those who is blown away by the winds of adversity you must learn the truth about suffering and the promises of God. This might be difficult for some of you but the Bible does not teach that everyone who prays in faith or is a godly person is going to be healed. The problem comes when we try and claim promises in God¹s Word that are not ours to claim. Many have been taught that if they just have enough faith, if they will confidently claim God¹s healing and be positive they will be healed. Some quote the verse ³by his (Christ¹s) stripes we are healed² as a promise that Christ will heal anyone who asks. The truth is this verse is talking about a spiritual and eternal healing, not a promise we can claim to force God to do our will. Can God heal? Of course he can, and he does. I¹ve not only seen God do the impossible in others, I¹ve experienced his healing touch personally. But there are many examples in the Bible where God chooses not to heal or rescue his children. Jesus did not heal everyone in Israel in his day. The apostle Paul prayed multiple times for God to remove a ³thorn in the flesh,² some physical ailment, but God said ³no.² Timothy had stomach problems and had to seek treatment. John the Baptist and Stephen were murdered. The truth is we will all die of something unless we are here when Christ returns. Does it seem interesting to you that some of the prosperity and healing pastors who preach God wants to heal every disease are wearing glasses and are overweight? They have no credible answer when their wife or child dies of cancer. Christ does promise he will never leave us or forsake us. God is faithful even if he decides to allow my cancer to return, but until then I live every day grateful for his gracious mercy.
