"Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul"

It was John Maxwell who spoke these wise words. Recently during a worship service a pastor spoke on life’s journey and the race that is set before us as you can read in Hebrews 12. He used the beautiful example of an actual race or marathon where there are many spectators sitting in the stands cheering on the runners. So it is with us who are running the race of life, we are being cheered on by many during difficult and trying times.

I encountered several of these “spectators” this week that “cheered” me on as I run my race. Last week unexpectedly I ended up in the hospital due to a possible blood clot in my leg. Cancer patients are known to get blood clots quickly and they can be life threatening. As I went through the procedures I ended up with an Ultra Sound technician who told me to “hang in there” in regards to my cancer. I replied I will try; however, it is God who holds the keys to life and death. When he heard this he dropped his work and we ended up in a very nice and Spiritual conversation. This technician was a Christian too or “spectator” to cheer me on in my race.

We all need to be “cheering spectators” and “runners” at the same time in the race for that great prize Jesus Christ. How is your marathon going? Do you have a goal in this world, and if so what is it?

The test showed that I did not have a blood clot but an inflamation in a vein. We are praying that it will soon clear. As for the Chemo treatments, it is going very well. I am now into my 4th week and able to handle the treatments quite well. I do have some side effects like being very tired some days. However it is nothing compared to past Chemo treatments that made me very sick. This is surely another answer to prayer. On August 7, I hope to receive another Bone and CT scan to see if any progress is being made. I feel good with no pain or discomfort from the cancer itself. I am so thankful for this, especially when I see those at the cancer clinic with much pain and discomfort, in light of that I feel blessed each day again. God is good, all the time.

Thank you for “cheering”. God be with you all. Be blessed and be a blessing.

 John