The time has come to give an unexpected update. I have been sick on and off since January. Over the course of these months, we have moved from thinking my sickness was simple colds picked up from the kids, to long COVID, to an infection, to double pneumonia. It has now been confirmed that I have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
This has been the shock of my life. The good news is that I have classical Hodgkins Lymphoma. In the cancer world, this is one of the best cancers to have if you are my age. The doctors are optimistic and will be treating me with the expectation to become cancer free.
Due to the spread of the cancer, I will begin a series of intense chemo treatments immediately. The cancer is attacking my immune system, and I will be very weak and exposed for the next six months. But none of this is the most important update I must share.
While cancer has been a shock to me, it was not a shock to God. God has not changed. The steadfast love of Jesus Christ is the same today as it was before my cells metastasized. Cancer has made me weaker than ever, but Jesus is not weak. He is our refuge and strength and a very present help in the worst times of trouble (Psalm 46).
God hates cancer and will one day eradicate it along with every result of the fall of Adam and Eve (Romans 8:20). But it is a great comfort to know that God ordained this illness for me before I was even born (Psalm 115:3; Ephesians 1:11-12). In his righteous wisdom, he decided that this sickness would be the best way to bring him glory and do good to me.
I confess to you that my faith has been small at times. When I first heard the news, I was devastated. But the size of one’s faith is not what matters most. What matters most is who we place our faith in (Psalm 40:11-12).
How do I know that God cares for me even though he allowed me to get cancer? I know this because he sent his only son Jesus to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16). God did not spare his own son but ordained that he suffer an excruciating death on a cross, in order that I might be forgiven. He has given me his precious son. How will he not also graciously give me all things? Nothing can separate me from his love because I have been united by grace through faith to Jesus Christ (Romans 8:35-39).
Many have asked how they can help us. I would boldly ask of you three things.
First, I would ask that you search your own heart and draw near to God instead of the world. One day can change anything, and it won’t be long before you are facing a deep trial. Do you know the Lord? Do you read his word and pray to him? He loves you, and he alone can be the rock that gets you through the hard times which will certainly come.
Second, I would ask you to pray for me and my family. Please pray my body responds well to the treatment and that God would deliver me from cancer so that I can have fruitful labor here on earth (Philippians 1:22). Pray the cancer spots in my bones, liver, and lungs would go away quickly. Pray for my family as we anticipate many weeks of total sickness.
Your prayers are going to be an essential part of my deliverance:
“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:18–20)
Lastly, I would ask you to consider going to church. Words fail to express how much love and care we have felt from our church. It is impossible to think about it without crying. The encouragements, prayers, love, meals, support, and genuine concern have been wonderfully overwhelming. I believe I am the most blessed cancer patient on earth because of First Baptist Jacksonville. The love of Christ has surrounded us through his people.
Thank you for your care and support. For those of you who want to follow us on this journey, I will be giving brief weekly updates along with various prayer requests on this blog.
We look forward to updating you in the weeks ahead.
Until then,
Sean
Unspoken 
Dear Brother Sean,
I am so encouraged by your faith during this deep trial, it’s a wonderful example and reminder for the flock that we trust in God, no matter what circumstances we may encounter. I’m so thankful for all that you taught me in those early years we were together, and the time we spend as SBTS. Praying that the Lord heals you speedily and continues to bring you strength by His Spirit. I love this prayer from Paul in Ephesians 3, and this is part of how I’ll be praying for you:
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”
Ephesians 3:14-16 ESV
Praying for you and your family brother 🙏🏼
Sincerely,
Wayde
Praying that Gods will be fulfilled during this journey. Also praying that He will give you courage, wisdom and faith to successfully complete this journey, according to His will. 🙏🙏🙏
will be lifting you and your family up🙏⏳💗💗💗💗💗💗 the MAU FAMILY!
Sean, thank you for this update. I have been praying for all of you. You were such a blessing and encouragement to me when Shane has cancer. When Shane had cancer a friends granddaughter was diagnosed with what you have. She is now cancer free and just gave birth to her first child. My prayers continue for you and your family.
praying for you pastor Sean and your family. To God be the Glory!!!
Praying for you and your sweet family, for complete healing, encouragement and strength for you and your family in Jesus name🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your encouraging words of comfort and faithfulness. I, along with our precious church family and friends, are praying and believing God for total healing. You are loved.
Sean, thanks for your encouragement to others even at such times of trial in this life. We all need pointing to Jesus to discover the richness of his promises.