Updates:
- My treatments are progressing, and I am starting to feel the cumulative effect of them. I feel a bit more tired and a bit more drugged from the chemo. However, there have been great moments this past week in which I have been able to work and spend time with my family.
- We are looking forward to making an appearance at Trunk of Treats at our church in an unexpected way. Our kids are stoked and more excited than any year because we plan on having a trunk. We hope to see you there!
Prayer Requests and Praises:
- I saw my doctor on Monday after my infusion treatment, and he is encouraged about the reduction in my lymphoma symptoms. For example, months ago, I would wake up 5-6 times per night drenched in sweat (a classic sign of lymphoma). I am now experiencing 1-2 night sweats per week.
- The biggest prayer request is for this progress to continue. We won’t know how the treatment is doing until late November, but pray the cancer is completely gone before my next PET scan. That would be miraculous! The Lord can do this!
What I am Learning:
- There have been numerous books which have fed my soul since my diagnosis. Perhaps the first one I should mention is the helpful devotional by Jerry Bridges called 31 Days Toward Trusting God. This small book has provided rocks for me to step across in the midst of the flood of suffering. If you have never read it, pick up a copy and let it minister to your soul.
- One of the main themes of Bridge’s devotional is the sovereignty of God regardless of the situation. God really is in control. He has always been and will always be. His loving rule of the world doesn’t stop when tragedy strikes. Listen to how the Bible describes God’s reign:
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. (Psalm 115:3)
For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 3:31–33)
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:16)
God has numbered our days, and this is good. I can trust God’s care over my life because he has given up his only Son to die in my place. There is not a single cancer cell that is beyond his wisdom, might, and power. I am going to die exactly when God wants me to die – and not a moment sooner. While this truth might be hard to digest, it produces peace and good fruit.
What Has Been Encouraging:
- In his helpful little booklet called Don’t Waste Your Cancer, John Piper writes, “You will waste your cancer if you refuse to think about death.” This advice is wise. After all, no matter what happens, we are all going to have to cross the river of death unless Jesus returns. Bob Russell made a similar point in a recent sermon on anxiety. Facing the worst-case scenario can be helpful when we know that God is ultimately in control. It is not enjoyable to look at death in the eyes, but it is amazing to know that we follow in the footsteps of the risen Christ who defeated death.
- Below are some powerful quotes to help us meet death whenever it should come. I found these quotes from this set of bookmarks in honor of Reformation Day (the same day as Halloween!).
“Death only frightens those who have their mind exclusively in this world.” -John Calvin, 1509-1564
“Resolved never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.” -Jonathan Edwards, 1703-1758
“Live in Christ, die in Christ, and the flesh need not fear death.” -John Knox, C. 1514-1572
“I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals.” -Martin Luther, 1483-1546
“Let them fear death who do not fear sin.” -Thomas Watson, 1620-1686
“It is not a loss to die. It is a lasting perpetual gain” -Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892
Unspoken 