News

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.                   Psalm 23.4

The news is out and, in human terms it is not the best news. The tumour is stage 4 cancer. I am about to embark on quite an adventure. The next stage is a meeting with oncology specialists to determine ongoing treatment and support. And, as for support, I have been inundated. I feel so loved and appreciated. I thank all those who have responded in care and encouragement.

So, how do I feel? Well, frankly, it’s a bit of a bummer! But there it is, and I have to get on with it! The wonder is that I am not alone. Apart from the amazing support I am receiving from so many people, (and this appears to be worldwide!) I know – I simply know that my God is with me. He gives me this amazing promise:  “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28.20)

For many years God has led me on a journey of trusting Him. He has made it clear that nothing short of my full trust will satisfy. He has reduced His requirement to the simplest of terms: Either you trust me or you do not!!

I trust God. Gloriously, wonderfully, I trust Him. And, right now, I find it so strengthening and empowering to be able to declare this. If God is for me, who – or what – can possibly be against me? I go forward in Him. We go forward together.

The verse I have quoted above has long fascinated me. There are times when we are called to pass through a valley. There may be times when this valley appears as if in the “shadow of death”. As I understand it, for there to be shadow, there is light. I look up, and I see the light. I determine to walk in this light. It will lead and guide me. It will strengthen and sustain me. It will bring me through. Jesus declares Himself the light of the world(John 8.12). I will walk through this time in company with my Lord and Saviour, my Friend and Lover.

And where will we arrive at? I don’t know! That is up to Him. I simply know that I must travel the road in His precious company.

I have been overwhelmed with support, love and prayers. I humbly thank all who have been party to this journey. I pray, without obligation to anyone, that we may continue to walk together. My ongoing entries will have medical feedback as necessary, but I hope the essence of my communication will be the joy of journeying with Him. I do not wish undue challenge or suffering on anyone, but I earnestly encourage partnership with the “Power of Heaven”. Go with Him. Go in peace and strength. Go in grace and blessing. 

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your faith. Be blessed.

Lord God, and Wonderful Father,

What a surprise I have now received. Yet I believe this is no surprise to You. My days are in Your hand. Indeed, my life and the whole of me is with You. How wonderful this is. 

I know not what the ongoing journey will entail. There may well be extreme challenge. I wish to face it with You. You are my strength, there is none other. I believe Your way is the way through – not around, not avoidance. So, dear Lord, I present myself to “get on with it”. I place myself firmly in Your keeping. I trust You; I love you; I need You.

I thank You.

Amen