I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
I meet a lot of people on this site and have been blessed in so many ways as God brings some of his best to my blog. In addition, each person that I get to know gives me more insight to the love of God.
One such person, Rob Bohning, was a man of faith who showed his trust in Christ as he battled a terminal thyroid cancer. I talked to Rob and his wife, Lori, via email and phone calls and their faith amazed me. They both believed that God was with them through this cancer and that his will would be done. They both touched my heart.
I write this through tears because last night the Lord took Rob home to be with him.
I remember Rob telling me that he trusted Christ no matter what happened despite all the pain and suffering he endured. His only struggle was that he loved his wife and children so much and he wanted to stay with them as long as he could. For that reason, he valiantly fought the good fight and withstood the treatments and their painful side effects for as long as he could. He never gave up. He lived by his faith until the end touching numerous people with with his faith. He showed all of us that to face death is to fear no evil. He knew that God was with him.
Rob was an extremely gifted photographer among other things. He captured the beauty of God’s creation in a way that I have never seen done. His photos would make me forget the darkness of the times we now live in. He will be missed by so many people all over the world. His story touched a lot of suffering people. He made a difference in this world as he served the Kingdom of God.
I am re-posting the article from 2/18/2012 that I did on him. I pray that you will be blessed by his story and that you understand that God did not fail Rob. His suffering is over and eternity in heaven is his heritage. Rob is in the face of Jesus Christ right now. His work on this earth was done.
TRIED IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION
If we are truly followers of Jesus Christ, we will face trials of every kind. We are a tested people and each trial has been designed for the purposes for which God allows. We are all being made ready to wear the regal robes of eternal royalty. Christ is in each storm we face and it is his power that is causing all things to work for our good.
It is especially trying in these dark days as believers endure trials of every kind marking the countdown to Christ’ return. The faith of all is being put to the fire. None of us are exempt. Are you willing to stand and believe in spite of all that is happening in your life?
The above photo is one of the remarkable works done by a man named Rob Bohning. If you click on the picture, you will see the true majesty of his work. He has captured God’s creation as no one I have ever seen. Rob is a godly, loving husband and father. He is an amazing photographer. He has two gorgeous young children. And, he has a rare incurable cancer called Medullary Thyroid cancer. But Rob is not about to give up! What makes this man stand out is that he has unwavering faith that God cares about his affliction and is more than able to bring him through it. Rob is in the fiery furnace of testing but he knows full well that his Savior, Jesus Christ, is with him!
Rob and his wife, Lori, had emailed me after visiting my blog. I can say from my heart that I am blessed to have them now as friends. When writing to me of his cancer, Rob said, ” All I know is God is good and wastes nothing! That includes this cancer.” It was shortly after his forty-second birthday that Rob received this cancer diagnosis. Sadly, that was not all. The following day, Rob’s dad died from another kind of cancer. How does Rob keep his faith so strong while facing surgeries and treatments that he must endure?
My dear friends, the reason that Rob can have peace despite his affliction is because his faith has been tested and proven to be real. He understands that God’s will is good no matter what form it takes. He is a man who knows the God who created him and is willing to serve him in any way that he is called to. In his weakness, he has found God’s strength!
True sons and daughters will suffer for Christ. It has been written that blessed is the person whom the storm drives to God. It is only there that you will find true happiness. The worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace. It is only in the battle that the true strength and courage of a believer is revealed. Faith is not faith until it has been tested! Those who draw near to God in times of trials will find that they cannot leave his Presence without receiving his strength.
God has put a lot of wonderful people in my life through this blog. Rob Bohning and Lori have touched my life in such a way that I will never be the same. When I recently wrote about how I was going through some painful struggles of my own, Rob wrote again asking me how he can pray for me! I am humbled by this man’s faith and dedication to God. He has taught me that trusting that God is with us in our problems is the greatest honor we can give to him.
Rob will be having his first chest surgery on February 22nd to remove some nodes. I am humbly asking all of those who come to this site to please pray for Rob’s surgery. Please also keep him, Lori and their children in prayer. We are all in the battle as long as we are on this earth. But God never leaves us to fight alone. I am asking for the army of God’s people to rally for Rob. I am sure that he prays for all of us here on this site too. We are members of Christ’ own body. We cannot be defeated. There are no casualties in God’s army. We are performing the purpose for which he has created us. This body of death will not always be with us. Our victory has been declared. Christ has set us free!
What should you do in times of trouble? Rejoice! Great trials bring out God’s greatness in you.
Photo by Rob Bohning
God's Promises Are Real 
24 comments
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March 17, 2015 at 2:54 am
Koru Xypress
My condolences to the Bohning family. When Mom passed away, thoughts that I will someday meet her again and that this is not really ‘goodbye’ but a ‘see you again’ helped eased the pain when grief was the freshest. May God bring strength and comfort to loved ones left behind.
To Sister Marianne, your blog has indeed been a blessing to a lot of people, especially hurting people. You are truly being used mightily of the Lord and I pray that He continues to bless others through you. God bless you, Sister.
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March 17, 2015 at 11:17 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Koru, thank you for taking the time to stop and share your condolences with the Bohning family. Rob was a true man of God and I know that he is with God. Any family or friend who surrendered to Christ in this life will for sure be with Christ in heaven and we will see them. Not only that but we will have an even greater love for them for we will be with God who is the total embodiment of love. The greatest thing is that there will be no tears or sickness and we will live eternally with Christ.
I appreciate your words of encouragement, Koru. I am blessed by your kindness.
Thank you and God bless you my dear friend!
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March 17, 2015 at 11:21 am
kristiann1
GOD Bless this man of GOD and his family!! Rest in Peace with our LORD Jesus Christ!!
Love Always and Shalom, YSIC \o/
Kristi
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March 17, 2015 at 11:28 am
Marianne Bernard
Thank you, kristiann. I appreciate that you also took the time to send your sympathy and prayers to Rob’s family. Bless you, my friend.
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March 17, 2015 at 11:37 am
Tracie Hall
Dear Marianne, please know that I am praying for the Bohning family that the peace of God and His comfort will surround them at this time in their time of grief. Thank you also for sharing this encouraging blog with us. God is surely doing wonderful things through the trials that we face when we run to Him and trust Him. I pray that many hurting people who come to this blog will be greatly ministered to and encouraged, as it speaks so true to the faithfulness of God to bring out the best in us for His glory when we learn to trust Him! He is doing a great and mighty in these trials, for we are being conformed to the image of His Son; what a wonderful privilege! It is so good to hear from you, and the encouragement of the Lord through your words. May God continue to bless and use you my sister!
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March 17, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Tracie, You have greatly blessed me today. I have said that God brings the greatest people to my blog and you are definitely one of them.
The Bohning family are dear to my heart. I ask that anyone visiting here will remember Lori and her children throughout the times. I know it will be difficult for her after Rob’s death. He was such an example of faith in action. I know he would have appreciated everyone who prays for his family.
All of us are struggling, dear sister. Somehow we all meet up with trials that this life brings. Believers know that we are in the family of Christ and that we are never alone in our battles. I believe in prayer and I believe that God does mighty things through prayer. We are living in dark times if evil that is going to get worse. But those whose trust is in Christ know that this time of deception is simply shaking the tree to show who really belongs to Christ. It is a sign of his imminent return. The days are growing short but the promises of God will last throughout eternity. Hang on and stay focused on the truth that is in the word of God. He is not going to fail you and believers cannot be destroyed.
Thank you, Tracie, for your edifying words. You have indeed brightened my day. God bless you, dear sister.
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March 17, 2015 at 4:33 pm
Alexandria Sage
Absolutely beautiful post and story. What a beautiful Christian he is! My heart goes out to the family! God carried him with a grace that could only come from heaven. Please extend my heartfelt sympathy. I will lift his wife and children and family in prayer.
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March 17, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Marianne Bernard
Thank you, Alexandria! I am sure that Lori will be grateful that you are praying for her and her children. My heart breaks for them. I know Lori must have consolation to know that her loving husband is in perfect peace and joy and that she will see him again one day. Rob and Lori showed me and so many others what true love and faith is when facing a terminal illness. I really will miss him but I will continue to pray for his family. I sure appreciate that you are going to do the same. God bless you, Alexandria!
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March 20, 2015 at 11:53 pm
Steven Krupka
A very beautiful pic and story about Rob……
Thank you!
Steven
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March 21, 2015 at 9:54 am
Marianne Bernard
I appreciate you stopping and commenting, Steven.
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March 22, 2015 at 3:15 am
Lori
Marianne, I often come to your page for comfort. It is 2 a.m. and I am missing Rob terribly. My children are hurting and want to touch and hold Rob. We prayed so very fervently for a healing and we were faithful and believed. Rob suffered so greatly until the end without any let up or relief. Marianne and others, help me here find the right answers to why God did not heal Rob and why He did not relieve his suffering even a little? My children are asking these questions, and I just don’t know the right response that they can hold on to. I trust and believe, but I can’t find the answer in my heart nor can I hear God’s voice. He seems so quiet. Marianne, you have always meant so much to us.
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March 23, 2015 at 1:27 am
Marianne Bernard
My dear sister, Lori, how my heart breaks for you and your children with Rob’s passing. The years that I knew about his cancer, I have prayed every single day for him and for you. I truly had hoped that God would have healed his body just as you did. Why did he suffer? Lori, we won’t know that on this earth. I can only tell you that there was a divine reason behind it. As hard as it is to trust that God did the right thing for Rob, you must trust him. We are not like the world, my sister. We are set apart for his divine purposes. Right now Rob is in glory and his work is done. Yours is not. I know it is so difficult for your young children to understand all this when we cannot understand it. The word of God says to us that: “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.” Isaiah 57:1-2 For whatever reason, Rob was taken to be spared from evil. It was good for him to now be in heaven. By faith, we must trust God’s ways.
God may seem quiet to you but that does not mean that he is not doing some good through this all. Rob sees it now. You must trust by faith that his silence does not signify his inactivity. It simply means that he is working it out and that the silence is part of the answer. It has a purpose.
Lori, you know that I have been through many struggles in the past few years. It also seemed like God was silent while I went through the pain of much betrayal and hurt. For a while, it seemed like everything bad that could happen was happening. Did that mean that my prayers weren’t being heard? Of course not. God did not take me this far to let me wander helplessly without hope. He is doing a work in the quiet times. The pain I fell is drawing me nearer to him. I never knew the love of someone like you and Rob had. He loved you so much and that love does not die just because his physical body is not here. When you are with him in heaven, even though you won’t be married, you will actually love each other more because you will know what true love is as the light of Christ surrounds you and you are with him. It will be even better because none of us will have to worry about death, suffering, pain or anything that is evil. We will be in perfect peace and beauty forever! Please explain to your children about that. Let them know that their daddy is so happy to see Jesus. And the reward that he got for suffering as he did and yet still trusting God is with him. It is beyond any of our understanding while we are in these bodies of death.
I will continue to pray for you and your children until God takes me. I think of Rob when I do. I know you are struggling, Lori. I hope you know that I care. Please email me at mbernard4477@gmail.com and give me your phone number. I would like to talk more with you.
God’s plan for your life did not stop because Rob died. It continues as his purpose for your life takes you to where he wants you to be. Christ has never left you. I like to think that he reassured Rob when he opened his eyes in heaven that he would take care of you and the children.
I am still here for you.You are like family to me. Let’s talk.
Love you, dear sister.
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March 23, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Tracie Hall
Dearest Lori,
I know that I don’t know you, but you are my sister in Christ, and after reading your post, I wanted to reach out to you to try and encourage your heart. I pray that others will do so as well. As always, I thank the Lord for Marianne who has shared her words of comfort from the Lord.
When I read your post, my heart when out to you and I feel much sorrow for what you are going through. I have not lost a loved one close to me, but my husband and I have been and continue to be in a difficult financial trial where at first I was taken a back and wondered why the Lord had allowed it into our lives. It seemed at times too hard for us to bear. My dear sister Marianne gave me much encouragement, and I began to turn to the scriptures, as she encouraged me to, and prayed much to the Lord to give me the strength to simply trust Him, and focus on the truth of His word that are so filled with promises. There days where I wrestled with my feelings, but I refused to believe anything other than His truth, and I did not allow anything to keep me from calling on Him whenever I felt weak; and that was every minute it seemed. I stayed on my knees, and resolved to let nothing keep me from running to Him, rather than away. There is nowhere else for me to go anyway. He has all hope and has given me eternal life through Christ Jesus. He has given me more and more peace to trust Him, and I now feel blessed to live a life so as to glorify Him, and feel at peace with where He takes my life. We can’t understand God’s ways, but we surely can trust Him with what He brings us to, because He loves us and is faithful like no one else. He will be there with us through our trials. We may feel alone, as other men and women of God have through difficulties, who have faithfully served the Lord; but we will come through our trials victoriously, thanks to Christ Jesus, who never leaves or forsake us. Read about Joseph, David, Abraham, Job, Elijah, and others who went through this, and the Lord brought them out. Let it encourage you to trust the Lord, no matter how hard it is. I will continue to pray for you, and thank the Lord for being with you and your kids to see you through this. I know that He is there, and He will see you through. HE WILL. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. God is not finished with you yet; and I believe you will finish strong just as your dear husband did. The greatest hope is that you will be joined with him at the resurrection, and that will be the greatest union!
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
God bless and keep you and your children in His loving care,
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March 24, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Marianne Bernard
Tracie that was an amazingly beautiful message you wrote to Lori. I took that message to my own heart. It is tough to live in these dark days. Yet we were told that this would happen in God’s word. Loved ones who trusted Christ are in perfect glory right now. We are still here as God completes his work in us. But he is returning soon. He will wipe away every tear and bring joy to replace every sorrow we face. There are no financial problems in heaven, no sickness, no heartache and no death. We need to keep focusing on Christ for his promises never fail.
Thank you for your kind words to Lori. I know she appreciates what you said and that you are praying for her. We are one in Christ. We help each other in our burdens. I continue to pray for you, Tracie. Somehow God is perfecting his plan through your struggle. I pray he provides what you need. And I will keep Lori and her children always in prayer. I still grieve Rob and I never met him. But he showed me his heart. I know he would appreciate everyone praying for his family.
God bless you, Tracie. Stay focused. God has not forgotten you.
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March 24, 2015 at 9:32 pm
Tracie Hall
You’re absolutely right Marianne! We have a sure hope to anchor our faith on. Our Savior is soon to come, and we will soon rest from our trials and struggles in this life; and thank the Lord for how He used all of these things to bring glory to Himself! My husband and I have come to rest and trust in the Lord. He’s carried us this far through our financial struggles, and has provided for our needs in the most amazing ways; and the difference is now that we know that He is with us in the storm. He brought us to the point where we could simply do no more to fix the problem ourselves, and were left to wait upon Him and see Him work His will His way. We only needed to resolve to trust Him, and rest upon His word. We’re no longer concerning ourselves with the future. We’re trusting it all to Him. It takes time for God to perfect the faith of His people, but He has resolved to do just that. We know that we will continue to go through sufferings in this life until death or Christ’s coming, but we will always hold to mind God’s faithfulness to see us through each one, and keep our anchor in Christ Jesus. He works in ways that we don’t understand, we don’t always have an answer for why He allows things sometimes in life; but His ways are proven to work for our good, and His glory! We can never be separated from His love. I wanted Lori to be encouraged just as you had encouraged me. Her post touched me so much because I have felt the pain of wondering why also and feeling abandoned; but God has shown my husband and I that He is still there and loves us. I wanted to pass that on to someone else. She has been on my heart still, and I am continuing to pray for her. It will take time for the hurt to heal, but when she fills the void with God, He will bring her through, along with her children. I wanted her to know that God is faithful to never leave us nor forsake us. The key is as you said, keeping our focus on Christ. God bless you Marianne, as always, and much love in Christ!
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April 1, 2015 at 12:33 am
poetrycottage
Your love for this family is such an open expression of God’s love throughout the Body of Christ. You have written so beautifully about such a beautiful life Marianne. Tears. Can’t imagine what his wife and children are going through; but they are truly blessed to call you friend and I know that there is one tear less they will cry because of having you in their life.
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April 1, 2015 at 12:57 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Liana,
You are so kind to say that. The truth is that Lori and Rob are like family to me. I am devastated for Lori and the pain she is going through. She has been through so much and I have so much respect for her. Rob taught me so much on faith and trusting God. It is hard to understand the ways of God and most of us struggle with this. I am praying for Rob and Lori’s children. It must be so hard for them. I can only trust that God will watch over them and protect them all.
I believe that Christ is getting ready to return. I believe that with all of my heart. I can only pray that we all hang on and stay in the race because he is coming with his reward for those who don’t grow weary and give up. He is our strength in the battle. I pray for everyone on this site and I hope that they know how high and wide and deep the love of Christ is for them. No matter what we face, God has the plan. His purpose will be fulfilled. I thank God for all the wonderful people I have met on this site and I pray for each and every one of them.
You are a good friend, Liana, and quite talented in your poetry. God is using you. He has a great plan.
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April 1, 2015 at 3:44 am
poetrycottage
I am so sorry for them and also for you Marianne, it has obviously affected you deeply. May the Lord flood your and their lives with much comfort and hold you all ever so tenderly in His everlasting arms. May He catch and dry every tear that falls. May you all know that you are loved beyond measure.
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April 21, 2015 at 11:37 am
Ministry Addict
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness on a pilgrimage through a world that can seem dark and confusing from our point of view, but which will lead us to the glorious light of His eternal presence. Thank you for your words of hope!
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April 21, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Marianne Bernard
Thank you, Ministry Addict, for taking the time to encourage us all. We are on a pilgrimage through this perishing world but it is only in preparation for what is to come with Christ. No matter what struggle you are facing, God has a purpose and he is your strength to take you through it.
Rob Bohning was a man of faith and I know without a doubt that he is in the face of Christ and in perfect joy. This world is a little darker without him in it. I ask everyone to continue to pray for his wife Lori, and their two beautiful young children. It is hard on them right now.
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May 8, 2015 at 5:58 pm
Anonymous
The story of this family touched my heart soooo deeply. The strength, courage and most of all, unconditional love that is viewed through these pictures.
No doubt, to be absent from the body is present with the Lord for them that believe. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as I read this story and viewed the family photos.
Strong and courageous he was.
My continual prayers for the family.
Debra
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May 8, 2015 at 6:17 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Debra,
I also was so impacted by Rob and Lori Bohning. I saw do so much good through Rob that it did break my heart when he was taken. While I don’t understand it all, I do know that our God sees the whole picture and not just the frame we are in. He alone knows what is best for his people. I am so grateful that you will continue to lift Lori and her children up in prayer. This has devastated their lives. I know God will heal them but it will take time. I love them like family.
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April 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Carol Hanna
Often we create our own problems and then must live with them. It will be our trust in God’s promises and His grace towards us that will get us through the storms of life as we tread this road together towards the Beautiful City of God.
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May 2, 2022 at 6:44 pm
Marianne Bernard
Well said, Carol Hanna. It is God’s promises which shall never fail us no matter how big the struggle is that you are facing. I am learning that more each day. God bless you. dear friend.
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