HAVING FAITH                                    

The Bible says that without faith, it is impossible to please God.  Yet each day brings with it problems and trials that sometimes make it difficult to trust in the sovereignty of God.  Our hope can wane in crisis situations despite the fact that we are told in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown that God has promised to those who love him”.  God will reward those who can still trust him in the darkest storm.  We were bought at a price by the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross and his unfailing love is strong enough to bring us to victory in every area of our lives if we only believe. 

 

The strength that we need is always near when Christ lives in us.  It is by his power that we fight the battles of this world and to even face death without fear. This is a promise of Jesus but there are trials that may make it difficult to believe.  But through the faith of a member of my church, Don King, many were able to witness how God is able to keep in peace those who put their trust in him. 

 

Don King is a wonderful family man and father of four.  He volunteers to teach the Royal Ranger boys group at the church and he drives the church bus to pick up children who have no other way to get to church.  He is always willing to help as he considers it a joy to reach others with the love of Jesus Christ.  He is a true example of faith in action.

 

That is why our congregation was stunned some months ago when we heard that Don had been diagnosed with terminal, inoperable cancer of the brain.  It was a shock not only to us but his wife Kathy and their children were brought to their knees at the thought of losing Don.  The doctors told Don and his family that nothing really could be done for him.  That diagnosis was backed up by other experts and he was given approximately six months to live.  He was in the darkest storm of his life.

 

Although Don was shaken by the diagnosis, he chose to walk in unwavering trust in Christ.  He continued his work with the Royal Rangers and attended church every Sunday, always praying for others. He kept his smile and to look at him, you would never know what he was going through.  He professed an unrelenting faith believing that the peace of God would sustain him no matter what the outcome. He knew that death could not destroy him but only release him to be with his Savior.  As our church prayed night and day for him, the peace that Don had began to fill us all.

 

Although we may never understand the ways of God, one thing is perfectly clear.  He has a plan for our lives and nothing in this world can stop him from fulfilling all that he has promised.  A couple of months ago, Don went to have a scan to check on the status of the cancer.  After reviewing the films several times, the doctor was baffled.  Not only was the cancer gone, but the doctor had a hard time finding where it had been!  This incurable, inoperable cancer was now gone from Don’s body and we knew that the power of God had just been manifested before our very eyes. 

 

For reasons that we do not understand, not everyone is healed on this earth.  However, we still have the peace that surpasses understanding knowing that God has promised believers that we can never be destroyed and that his love will bring us through every storm. If you can keep your eyes on Christ and trust that he will not fail you, you also will be filled with the calm assurance that he will provide all that you need to get through the battle you are in.  Remember that Christ who lives in you will always be greater than anything that comes against you.