Nancy started a new job, I missed seeing her every day. My truck stopped working. Doctors confirmed my cancer is growing. My trip to Africa got canceled. Last week was a winner!
An Honest Report
I am about to embark on my fourth round of treatment for stage IV colon cancer. I am happy to honestly report, “It is well with me.” Yes, you read that correctly. “It is well with me.”
Friday I met with my oncologist to talk about treatment options. As we were parting ways he said, “Dan, you handle this all very well. I think your profession helps you.”
Driving back to the office I reflected upon his comment. Something about it did not sit well with me. Hours later I just about leaped from my chair. My profession has little to do with how I have navigated the past three and a half years!
My Source of Hope
The only reason I have been able to move through these past few years with joy, purpose, and optimism is the hope I find in and through Jesus. I was so numb from the realities Dr. Saroha and I had been discussing that I missed the opportunity to remind him of that truth. We will talk about it at one of our next appointments.
Sunday was one giant reminder of where my hope is found. It was exactly what I needed to remind me of what was truly important. Morning worship was truly amazing. It was if the service was prepared just for me.
I know, some of you are thinking that as the pastor I had the opportunity to choose music, text and such that would speak to me. The truth is our worship music had been selected weeks before there was any inkling of a bad scan report. The scripture reading came from the Lectionary and was read by thousands of communities around the world. No, the pastor did not orchestrate the service today. The Spirit was alive well, and working within our midst.
We Lifted Our Voices
We lifted our voices together and sang “It Is Well.” As the chorus rang out over our community it was if it was washing over me.
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me
Our voices joined together to “Raise a Hallelujah” regardless of the difficulties many of us were facing. The truth is that no matter what we are facing we can claim victory because of who God is.
I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!
Realities Shifted
Cancer moved from a front and center concern to “background noise” meant to distract and take my attention off of what was truly important.
I pray that in the days ahead I may be able to truly “Let go my soul and trust in Him, the waves and wind still know His name”
What realities in your life serve to take your attention away from what is truly important?
Who, or what do you allow to speak loudly when they really should be mere “background noise?”
My prayer is that you will take a few moments from your day and listen to these songs which claim victory over chaos, disruption, darkness, and defeat.
May you experience what Jesus talked about as “Life to the Full.”
