The End is in Sight

If you have ever climbed or hiked up a mountain, you know the feeling of reaching the point where you can see the summit. The top is in view and you can focus your attention on getting there. All climbers know that reaching the peak isn't the end of the journey, but signifies an accomplishment. The downhill climb lies a head, but the path is more clear.


We can see the peak. We know we have three days of chemo left starting today. And then they journey changes. Although the journey may still have ups and downs, like climbing down from a mountain, we will be headed in the right direction.


With the New Year, we have set our sights on new goals. This year will be a time of building up Josh's health. As care takers, our health has also suffered, so some of our New Year's resolutions are focused of restoring our own health. We have plans to lose weight and exercise more.


Our schedule has been changed so we plan on reorganizing our time so that we can be intentional about what we do. This morning it was nice to get up and sit in our chairs and read. One of my goals for the year is to read through the Bible in 2012. I have a New Living Translation Study Bible that has background commentaries about each book along with character studies.


I also plan on reading at least 6 books this year that will help me personally or professionally. I have started a book by Dave Ramsey, EntreLeadership which describes his development as a leader and the refinement of his leader training programs. 


As we move on to a new year, it would be easier to try to forget 2011. There are painful memories, failures and difficulties that would be easier to leave in the past. But as I reflect on 2011, although most of our memories are painful and tiring, through it all we experienced God's faithfulness. I learned to trust God in a new way. I experienced His faithfulness and presence in the valley of the shadow of death. In early morning hours I saw His hand at work in my life, shaping my character.


Last year we faced some of the biggest challenges that we have ever faced, and in doing so we witnessed God do what we could not. We were blessed as so many of you gathered around us and encouraged us through prayers and words of encouragement. Some of your do not yet have a personal relationship with God and you still encouraged us with kindness and love.


I do not know what tomorrow brings. But I know who holds tomorrow. We have experienced God's grace and faithfulness. Josh is in remission and nearing the end of his treatment. Please keep our dear friends the Gwaltney's in your prayers. This year they have faced many of the same challenges as we have as Randy has fought a battle against cancer. 


Randy's journey has taken a different turn.  The treatments have not slowed the cancer, but his journey has still been full of God's grace and mercy. We have seen courage and resilience in Randy as he had walked his journey and we know that his journey has not been in vain. We have been encouraged by his willingness to face the challenge boldly. 


We are praying that God will do a miracle and do in Randy what the chemo could not. But I can tell you that we have already seen a miracle in Randy's life, because he is a man who has experienced God's grace and blessing. He encountered God and was changed.And his hope is not limited by what this world can offer.


Romans 8
 ¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that^[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.


The end of Josh's treatment is in sight, and for that we are thankful. What happens after that is in God's hands and we look forward to it with anticipation. We have a God that turns all things into good. He made a promise to us that we claim and will live by.


Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 


I pray that you all will face this new year with the anticipation that God will reveal Himself to you in a new way. That your relationship with Him will grow and that you will trust Him enough to step out in faith and life with a passion for Him. Because whatever 2012 brings, He will work it all together for good for those of us who love Him.