Yesterday was like no other Sunday I’ve experienced. Our pastor shared with gut wrenching honesty his diagnoses, his grief and his hope. We cried together, laughed together and prayed together. It was powerful. The Presence of the Almighty was so real.
God is real and He is with us—you and me. I forget that sometimes and go about life as if it all depends on me. Not true. Our God is our ever-present help in times of need. Right now, my pastor and his family are in need.
Bro. David’s diagnoses is bleak. He has a rare form of rectal cancer. This type of cancer is very aggressive. There is no treatment but surgery. Bro. David will have surgery to remove the cancer, but his doctor says it’s sure to return elsewhere. The survival rate for this type of cancer is 2-5 years. I, along with my church family, are praying for a miracle. Would you join us? We love our pastor and his family!!
God is in the miracle working business. He hears the cries of His people.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably experienced times when it seemed like God wasn’t listening to your prayers, but He is.
Maybe you feel as if your prayers are bothering God. He’s too busy to hear about or respond to your cares. It isn’t so.
This bible reminds us that we can take comfort in the fact that God is deeply concerned with what matters to our hearts.
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Ps 145:18).
When we cry out to God, He doesn’t stand off. He draws near and responds to our needs. He is never too busy or unconcerned about your needs or mine. Prayer changes things. It changes lives, attitude, addiction, hearts, desires, relationships and diagnoses. I believe that God hears and He acts. Therefore, I pray. My hope is in God alone who is able and willing to heal and restore.
I realize some of you have experienced a similar situation as Bro. David. Maybe it didn’t turn out like you had hoped and prayed. Bro. David encouraged us to trust in the sovereignty of God. He has promised good to us. Jeremiah 29:11, says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans not to harm you but to give you a hope and a future.
In the storms of life, Bro. David also encouraged us to remember we are loved by God. “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jere 31:3). “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Bro. David reminded us that God will never leave us nor forsake us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Duet 31:6).
Finally, Bro. David, charged us to hold fast to the truth of Romans 8:28. “For God causes all things to work together for good according to His plan for those who are called according to His will.” We might not see the good right away, but we can trust in this promise and those listed above.
The promises of God is where Bro. David has placed his trust. Though he doesn’t understand “why.” Even thought this is not what he planed, he has chosen to trust his heavenly Father. In doing so, his circumstances haven’t changed but his heart is full of strength and peace that passes all understanding.
Praying today this note encourages you to ride out your storm in the shelter of God’s promises.
If you would like to pray by name for my pastor and his family, they are as follows: Bro. David, Jennifer, Rachel, Sam and Josh. Thank you!
Linda says
I can offer no more words than this – I will pray.
Chris says
I prayed for Bro David and family. Prayer helps and the Lord always hears you! Amen
Brandee says
We are praying! I am so inspired how everyone is coming together to pray for Brother David. <3
Rachel says
I will keep Brother David, Jennifer, Rachel, Sam & Josh in my prayers.
Brenda S says
This hits home hard today. Yesterday a dear, sweet friend of mine lost her oldest son to cancer after a year long battle. We prayed mightily for Jehovah Rapha…..our Lord who heals……to heal this young man who just turned 30 and has a wife and four little girls……the youngest born last year. Our Lord had other plans for them and as hard as it is, we have to trust that He knows what’s best and has our best interests at heart and loves us immensely. My heart is aching for my friend and her family today. I will join you in prayer that our Jehovah Rapha will heal Bro. David with the miracle that no one else is capable of. I pray that His comfort and peace will enfold this family as they journey forth. I pray all of this in Jesus’ sweet name. Amen.
Dorothy says
Bro. David and his family are in my prayers! May God surround them with good doctors who have faith in His ability to heal and compassion for he and his family. May Bro. David only know peace thru out this time and may his family be surrounded by those who will inspire their faith in our Almighty God and His wonderful plans for our future! God bless you all!
Cindy Kessler says
Joining you in fervent prayer …
Holly says
So hard to understand why God allows His children to suffer so. Dec 2011 both pastor & children’s ministry director were diagnosed with cancer. Was a rough year, but amazing to see how God has worked in & through them. Lindsey is currently in remission, though with the type of brain cancer she had she has been given max 5 years. However, God can change that if He so choses. Pastor Randy may be facing additional surgery, but the doors God has opened for him to share his story are incredible. Hope & pray your pastor & his family (bio & church) will be blessed as God works in & through Him.
Ramona says
I have been and will continue to join you in praying for Bro. David and his family! (I am also a member of this church family…and was never more moved by such faith and strength as I was on this Sunday!)