A Year Ago The Marathon Began.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

(2 Timothy 4:7).

Time, they say, never stands still. A year ago today, March 11, it all began: the first of four ankle surgeries.  With surgeries, recovery, and rehab spaced every 12 weeks since March 11, 2008, it’s been a quick year a very, quick year.  “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14b).

So how do I summarize the best year of my life in one post on a blog? It’s not easy, especially when the Lord has worked in so many great ways (Ephesians 3:20-21).  These words summarize the last year: pure joy, the gospel, sanctification, God’s faithfulness, Jesus Christ, Heaven, and You.

Pure Joy.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).

This year has not always been easy, but I would not trade it for anything. There were days of discouragement when I couldn’t comb my hair because of the arthritic pain in my right shoulder. Fighting to think right thoughts (Philippians 4:8) about the surgeries, rehab, and future is essential to live for glory of the Lord rather than focus on self. I can truly say I have known “pure joy” that comes through Jesus Christ during this trial (Galatians 5:22).

Sanctification.  “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).

God through His great patience and grace has revealed and reminded me of pride, a lack of dependence on Him, and living for self rather than His kingdom and others (Galatians 2:20; Matthew 6:33).

Earlier this year I attended a men’s conference at my church.  I was cut and diced to the quick when the speaker shared about how Joni Eareckson-Tada longs more for personal holiness than a new a body.

People say, “You must be looking forward to Heaven,” thinking I am looking forward to getting my new body. And after more than twenty-five years in a wheelchair, it’s true that I am. But more than I am looking forward to my new body [she said with her voice choking with emotion] I am looking forward to a heart without sin.” (“The Best Part of Heaven”, Moody, March 1995, p. 32.)

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 to me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

The opportunity to share the love Christ through the gospel and encourage others with it has been incredible.   I would never have dreamed that the Lord could use this year like He has to plant so many gospel seeds and encourage others with His Word.

God’s Faithfulness.  “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Through surgeries, recoveries, rehab, and a myriad of medical bills God has, is, and will remain faithful to His character and the promises in His Word.  What encouragement, hope, and confidence this brings to my heart!

Jesus Christ.   “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28)

I praise the Lord for the salvation that comes in Christ alone, by grace alone, and through faith alone.  The word and work of the Holy Spirit continues to impress on my heart how sinfully wretched I am, but God can rescue a spiritually dead man from his sins.

I am thankful for the privilege, in a very small way, that I can experience the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings (Philippians 3:10).  Praising Him that for the joy set before Him (Jesus), He endured the cross scorning its shame and now sits at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Heaven.  “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

My heart is throttled to keep pursuing Heaven more than ever before.  No, it’s not to get rid of this beat-up body that gets older and decays each day.  It’s mind girded with the Word and using it to filter every thought (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 4:8).  By going to Heaven I will be free from sin and able to worship the Lord Jesus Christ with an absolutely pure heart forever and ever.

You.  I am grateful for you! Whether this is your first time visiting/reading the blog or you’ve been tracking my progress over the course of 2008 and 2009, I am thankful for your prayers and encouragement.

Are you running the race with perseverance? Will I see you in Heaven?

For His Glory—Finish Well!