A Separate Peace

No less than six hours after we got news that Kim's cancer was in full remission, we also heard from another couple we know  that has been fighting a different cancer (pancreatic) and for much longer than we have (three years!). The situation is dire right now and the doctor's prognosis is grim, but we're praying for a miracle. Our hearts are heavy for him and his loved ones. Please see a post from his wife HERE and brief excerpt we read yesterday below. If you would be so kind please lift Rich and Jeannie and their beautiful family up in faithful prayers of faith: 

"Rich was in bad shape when we got to the hospital this afternoon. Our doctor was tearing while he talked to us in the conference room. He really does care about Rich and doesn't want to give us false hope. He said he didn't need a scan to see that the cancer had gotten worse- jaundiced, skin and bones, unfocused. He didn't want to subject Rich to any more discomfort. Said he would set Rich up in a room with IV fluids and that he would not be surprised if Rich passed away tonight. I cried a lot. Rich's sugar level was at a 37, so they gave him a glucose "push" through the IV. Do you know, God is a surprising God? After Rich got set up in his room, her became more alert and asked for something to eat!!! You don't know how incredible that is if you haven't been living with him. He had some grape juice and a water ice and looked like he was having manna- not far from the truth if you ask me. I cried again just from the joy of seeing sparks of life again. God is turning me into a crybaby cuz I was just too proud to cry before. He's resting comfortably now, and I have new energy to keep praying and hoping and rejoicing. Our doctor did say that people that want to visit Rich should do so soon, but I pray for a more God-glorifying outcome. It's still an uphill battle, but let's keep crying out to God. I'll keep you all updated."

Kim and I have been riding a veritable roller-coaster these past few months with code blues, infusion reactions, fainting spells, screaming headaches, wrenching pain, 911 calls, etc but I have a deep respect and compassion for those that have been fighting a much longer battle than we have - and a losing one at that. Much greater faith is required for those that walk a valley with no end in sight and into a darkness with no trace of light. I know this sounds a bit depressing, but even in the great joy of our cancer remission celebration I was reminded that we will all die. Each and every one of us. It's only a matter of time. All of us, at some point, will have to stare death square in the face. And when that moment arrives will you be full of peace or will you be overwhelmed by fear and regret?

A couple years ago, I read a book called "A Journey to Victorious Praying" from one of my Moody professors (Dr. Bill Thrasher) in a class I took with him and this particular quote has stayed with me:

Imagine being continually and cruelly rejected by your own people – your efforts to love them being met by both indifference and intense hatred. Ponder awakening each morning to the reality that there was a plot to kill you. One of your closest associates will betray you and deliver you up to be killed. Your most vocal supporter will deny even knowing you, and all your other close friends will desert you. Where would you go for support if you had no spouse, your own brothers misunderstood you and even mocked you, and your closest friends let you down in your hour of greatest need? Suppose I told you that the person who actually experienced these stressful circumstances lived with continual peace and was the most joyous person who ever lived (Heb 1:9). This person, of course is Jesus Christ, and he desires to share with you His peace (Jn 14:27) an His joy (Jn 15:11) as you learn to wait before Him. (p.164)

You've probably seen the bumper sticker: "No Jesus. No Peace. Know Jesus. Know Peace." Those eight words will take you three seconds to read but can take years to understand. You cannot find true peace outside of the "Prince of Peace" - Jesus Christ. But the good news is that this is what he offers each one of us. Peace. Eternal peace. Ethereal peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -John 14:27

No matter how great your trial. No matter how dark your valley. I pray that you find the Lord's peace today. His eternal and ethereal peace. He offers it to each of us and it only comes through the finished work of the cross. Peace to you. Peace of Christ to you. 

In His Peace,

Peter & Kim