We had a successful surgery last Thursday as a port was put into my chest. Monday I received chemotherapy and after an easy day, I remembered Monday night and Tuesday why I hate chemo so much. But I am feeling better now and hopefully will sleep tonight and be able to work the rest of this week. I thank you again for so many prayers and kind words.
Susan told me I left out a word in a recent ‘journey’ and I told her to get used to it. The mind gets a little cloudy with all the poisons chasing the cancer out of my body. The numbers ’15-08-05′ represent a date and it is not a mistake. Israel, as many countries, puts the day first, then the month, then the year. On the 15th of August, at the order of the government of Israel, settlers in Gaza were removed from their homes. I will not write a political opinion of this decision. As a younger man, Ariel Sharon fought to establish settlements in the Gaza Strip. As an older man, Prime Minister Sharon, decided there might be a better chance for peace in Israel if the settlers were removed. He may be voted out of office for his decision as opinions on both sides of the issue are furiously debated. I doubt anyone has the exact truth on what will take place in Israel before Jesus returns, but I’ll offer a thought that gives me joy. I’ve only studied the formation of two nations that presently exist on earth: our nation and the nation of Israel. It is hard to read of what took place in 1776 (and the surrounding years) without believing that God had a powerful hand in our country coming into being. It is, I believe, impossible to read of what took place in 1948 (and the surrounding years) without recognizing the powerful hand of God in bringing the present nation of Israel into existence. When we earnestly pray for our nation and other nations, I believe we approach something precious to the heart of God.
On August 30th, we were on the Mount of Olives and I saw something I will never forget. Surrounded by a multitude of Israeli soldiers, many settlers, wearing bright orange t-shirts imprinted with the date ’15-08-05′, were participating in a type of funeral. This was the day the transported dead from Gaza were given new graves. We didn’t intentionally attend this event; it was just the day we had chosen to visit the well-traveled road that Jesus often walked. Instead of watching such a news story on television, I found myself looking into the eyes of those that were grieving. Some of you have looked into the eyes of those that have lost everything in the recent hurricanes. There is something about being close to pain that is jolting.
This week several have sent me Scriptures that hold the promises of God for those who love Him. Many expend quite a bit of energy trying to figure out why God would allow the suffering we have seen in recent months. Some even reject faith in God because they can’t grasp a satisfactory answer to the question of suffering. I can’t give perfect answers, but I can tell anyone with great confidence that God is love. One day He may explain everything to us in such a way that we will see how suffering on this earth never contradicted His love. One day we might fully understand the wrath of God and the mercy of God. But here is what we know now: “God desires no one to perish, but all to have eternal life… and eternal life is found in His Son.” So instead of worrying about the things you will never understand, put your energy into walking with God through His Son, Jesus. Is it possible that one who walked with God was hit by last year’s tsunami in Southeast Asia? Is it possible that one who walked with God was impacted by a hurricane in our gulf coast? Is it possible brothers and sisters in Christ have been devastated by the earthquake in Pakistan? Is it possible to be a Jew who walks with God in Israel? Is it possible to be an Arab who walks with God in the West Bank? Is it possible to walk with God through unemployment or disease or even death?
The hope for mankind is not in teaching everyone how to avoid pain and suffering. The hope for mankind is in knowing the One who overcame the world. That same One told us we would have tribulation on this earth. He even predicted the things that would take place before He returned. He does not want us to argue over the meanings of His predictions; He wants us to walk with Him. He’s a Friend that can take us through any valley. He is the Shepherd who whispers instructions and promises to His children. Listen to Him and believe.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock… My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, will I seek… Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors… I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:5,8,11,13,14