I am often asked how is Melinda doing? My default answer is okay, but “Only God Knows for sure”, which regularly turns into a little longer discussion. Ever so often that discussion turns into a deeper conversation about how I handle it and occasionally someone will mention to me how they appreciate our handling of the situation as it gives them strength.
Melinda continues to have her good and bad days; don’t we all? The steroids the oncologist put her are making her extremely hungry. At first, it was a good thing, as it got her eating and gave her energy to move about. Now we need her to slow down a bit as she is taking in way more calories than she is burning. She was already struggling with walking and moving about, so adding weight will only make it harder for her. She has another MRI this week and then a follow-up with the oncologist next week. We are praying that the MRI shows no further brain damage from the radiation treatments or any signs of cancer.
Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. – Hebrews 2:14
The one thing that has gotten Melinda and me through all of this is the knowledge that our current bodies are just a temporary shell, a tent if you will. Jesus conquered death, and through him, we will too. It is our knowledge of that fact that has kept us going and why we do not fear death. I believe this is what some people see in us when they say to me it gives them strength. It is not me, it is Jesus.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
– Philippians 4:13
Fear and worry are tools of the Devil. He uses them against us often. As much as I would like to say I do not fear anything it would be a lie. Satan uses my worries to bring about fears. The one fear that I do not have is death. I fear dying slowly or in pain, but death itself is a blessing. I am in no hurry to die, but a the same time I can’t wait to see my LORD and savior and for him to make this world the way it should have been from the beginning.
I was recently watching, Unashamed. They told the story of a man that was dying of cancer. He said when the man prayed, he would hold up both hands to heaven. He said he did this because in one hand he wanted to be here and spread the gospel, see his children grow up, and grow old with his wife, but in the other hand, he wanted to be with Jesus. Either way, he asked Jesus to hold a hand and guide him.
I believe many that have the Holy Spirit within them can relate to the man above. As followers of Christ, we should long to be with our Savior and not fear Satan or the things of this world. With all that is going on in the world today, it is difficult to not worry and let that worry manifest into fear. Just remember there is nothing that can happen to a believer that Jesus can not overcome. If this world destroys your tent, fear not for Jesus is preparing you a mansion.
When I read, John 10:1-19, it reminds me of the chaos I see going on around the world today. Many believers believe the end is coming soon. We pray that you know Jesus when your tent is destroyed. If you do not, we pray you will find him before your tent is no more. I include myself among the believers that believe the birthing pains have begun and the time for Jesus’s return draws nearer each passing day.
I leave you with this final thought. YOU have a choice to spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. GOD does not send anyone to Hell. It is a choice YOU get to make. Melinda and I have chosen Heaven. We pray we see you there. If you do not know how to get to Heaven we would love to tell you how or you can visit https://www.gotquestions.org/how-can-I-be-saved.html to learn more. I beg you don’t wait, as the time is drawing near.
