Final Four.

It is more than three months away until the NCAA basketball season culminates with the 2009 Final Four to be held in Detroit, MI.  But tomorrow the “final four” will officially be a reality for me—the fourth and final ankle surgery this year.

The road to the “final four” has not always been easy, but it has been good. I would not trade it for anything. Only God could have scripted this year.   “Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?” (Lamentations 3:37-38)

He has been abundantly faithful in so many ways: insurance coverage for all the surgeries (the first one went through an appeals process and was ultimately paid); progressive healing; safety through driving with a left foot accelerator for six months; protection navigating on crutches since March and through the recent ice and snow here in Chicago; competent doctors, medical staff and physical therapists, but, most importantly the opportunity to encourage and share the love of Christ with others through the gospel. “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

With surgeries done in March, June, and September I am “ready to roll” with the last one tomorrow, December 30.

This post is dedicated to Erik and Bryan Apinis. Erik had the nickname, “Four”, during college. Not sure how he got it? Both of these guys were a part of my church’s college ministry when they were students at Wheaton College. They impacted me in my walk with the Lord.  “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverb 27:17).  Both their mom, first, and then their dad battled cancer and are now at home with the Lord. I had the honor to know their dad, but I never met their mom. I look forward to seeing them in Heaven.

Through these trials Erik and Bryan resolved to trust in their Heavenly Father. They model Paul’s closing words to the church in Corinth, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Erik, his wife, Jen, and kids reside in the Baltimore, MD area and Bryan, his wife, Kathryn, and kids live in the Atlanta, GA suburbs. I am thankful to be a part of the road they walked during their time at Wheaton.

Ready for the “Final Four”!

Bryan, me, Erik along with our good friend, Steve Hobbs.