A Beginning Look Back

We are almost at the seven month mark since my husband, Dennis was diagnosed with colon cancer. I have been looking back through the updates we have been sharing during this time trying to organize them as I neglected to date them. As I read the early ones, I see how God has led us in a very different direction from the path we thought we were headed in the beginning. It is a beautiful reminder to me that when we choose to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own insights, but acknowledge Him and allow Him to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6), things will work out for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). The Lord has provided for and sustained us far beyond what we have asked or imagined. As I continue to sort through these updates, I will be posting them in order to share how the Lord is working in our lives. . .

 August 18, 2010

Dear Family,

We wish to share some news with you and to ask you to join us in prayer. Dennis has been having some lower intestinal problems for the past several months. As a precaution, our family doctor referred him to a specialist and suggested he have a colonoscopy. The specialist agreed and Dennis had the procedure this morning.

Much to our and the doctor’s surprise, a mass was found. It is in the lower part of the colon and is approximately 5 inches. The doctor said he feels it is cancerous. Biopsies were taken and we will find out the results next week.

This was not at all the news we were expecting to hear and it is a bit scary to hear the word cancer. However, we know that God is in control, and we are putting our trust in Him. While it is our hope for a non-cancerous report, we know that God is sovereign, and will use all things for His glory. We would like to ask you to pray along with us for Dennis’ health, his doctors and for our family.

At this time we have not shared any news with the kids. We are choosing only to share with our family and a select number of friends. We would ask that any communication regarding this would be done through email or a private message on Facebook (no wall posts, please). We will update you after Dennis’ appointment next Friday afternoon.

“A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, but our Lord continues to stretch and strain. Faith is not some weak and pitiful emotion, but is strong and vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love. And even though you cannot see Him right now and cannot understand what He is doing, you know Him. Faith is the supreme effort of your life – throwing yourself with abandon and total confidence upon God. The real meaning of eternal life is a life that can face anything it has to face without wavering.”
-Excerpts from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers (This was the devotion Dennis and I read tonight. I knew God would have encouragement for us in His Word today.)

Trusting God,
Dennis and Carolyn

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