This month's newsletter is a little different for me. Just after last month's edition came out, I began having medical problems and I had to go to the doctor for tests. He then referred me to an oncologist. Once I met with the oncologist, and with further blood and bone marrow tests, he diagnosed me with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia.
It is a very rare type of cancer that affects the red blood cells in the body. I have had to receive several blood transfusions and I am taking chemo medicine in order to build my cells back up.
They tell me it is incurable, and the chemo medicine may take some time in order to take affect (or they may have to change my medication if necessary). I have changed my diet and I have several people in my family and friends praying for me to recover and for God to intervene in this journey I am traveling.
When you are facing something that changes your life or time on this earth, your sense of smell of the flowers and trees, the sight and feel of the wind blowing by your face, or even hearing a small bird sing are suddenly enhanced and exclusively personal to you and your Savior. The sense of time is important and valuable but your rush in life is unusually slowed down and you have the patience to wait and see what lies before you at this moment, each moment. There is a stillness that overrides all other emotions because of the pouring in of intercessory prayer calling out to God on your behalf, through each hour of each day by family and friends.
You have a tendency to examine your life and your personal time with our Savior. There is a change in your direction, the tide has turned, and you have to turn with it. It’s peace I feel, and abundant Grace. The sense of time is different now for I have great patience for life to unfold before me and to allow each word or moment to play itself out. The world that has been turning on its axis around you throughout your life is still spinning, but by His touch of mercy and peace you have slowed down to take in all that He is unfolding before you.
When I was asking God to give me this month’s message, the word “time” continued to come to me over and over again. Time to receive His love, time to read His word, time to talk to Him from my heart, time to lift my hands in praise to Him each day even until the last hour of the day. He seems to be telling me to ask everyone, do you have the time? Do you take the time?
Is it because of this cancer I am having a heighten awareness of my servant spirit with our Savior or just another great gift (yes, gift) that God is placing in my life?
I believe that each one of us comes to a fork in the road in our life, whether for medical, financial, family, or other reasons. When we approach this fork, we have a decision to make about which road we will take. The road to the left or the road to the right. One is the road of faith and the other is usually the road of our heart.
Often, we see the road of our heart as the easier road. We think it is the road that we can manage and figure out on our own. The other road is unknown to us. We have to walk down it purely by faith. This is where our faith is tested, and His grace is going to carry us.
It is seemingly the harder choice if you haven’t been down this road before. But it is the most rewarding choice because when you get tired of walking, He carries you. When you stray a little off the road, He guides you. When you praise Him, He embraces you.
I don’t know how much time I have left on this earth, but I know where I am going and, meanwhile, I have some time to share Jesus with someone, somewhere.
As you finish reading this today, please take a look at where you are. Is the smell of the flowers and trees, the sight and feel of the wind blowing by your face, or hearing even a small bird sing, are they suddenly enhanced and exclusively personal for you to enjoy what has been laid before you by God each day?
Then think of your neighbor, friend, or family member. If they are at a fork in the road, ask yourself this question about sharing Jesus with them. The right choice for you and them is to make a decision that will change their life and turn the tide.
Don’t delay your chance to share His love.
Seize the day as you answer . . .
Do I have the time? Yes, I do. Yes, I will!
2 Corinthians 6:2
For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.
Isaiah 52:7 1:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good [things], Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
