A reason and season to be joyful

“He has risen” Mark 16:6 heralds this beautiful message. What a blessing if this message applies to you personally. After Jesus was risen from the dead he gave us all a great task in verse 15 ”Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." A task we can never take too lightly because Jesus commanded it and is expecting it from you and me.

Personally I find Good Friday and Easter very special days where we find the heart of the Gospel. A reason to rejoice that Jesus died and rose again for me personally and I hope and pray that you experience this season in a similar way. I will never be able to comprehend it fully, yet I believe with all my heart that Jesus died for me too.

Last week I did not experience the joy that I should have, this week is the total opposite. Not only did the beautiful warm weather play a big role in it but also a crucified and risen Christ. Looking to Jesus gives me hope in hopeless times. I was able to work in the garden for several days, it made me tired but gave me joy that I was able to do it.

I thought at times that the Vancouver Cancer Clinic had put me aside and forgotten about me. Again the lack of faith can be so strong that it puts me to shame. I know that God never forsakes me and yet I appear to fall in that trap at times. On Wednesday I received a call that the testing that was done on the cancerous tumor that was removed 16 months ago tested positive for the protein called “MET”. In many cases testing positive is not a good thing, for me it is good this time. This means that I will once again receive Chemo treatments starting on April 16. On the one hand I am thankful, on the other hand I look up against it knowing what the side effects of Chemo can do.

This new trial is only used on 21- 110 patients in North America and I am one of them. It targets the proteins that Kidney cancer produces thereby hopefully stunning or eradicating cancer growth. So yes, I am thankful to be part of this study and trial and pray for God’s blessing on it. Starting March 30 (today) I will start to undergo a regiment of tests beginning with a Bone scan, CT scan and Muga scan.

Starting on April 12, I will be spending most of that week at the Vancouver Cancer Clinic, some days up to 13 hours a day to take blood tests every 2 hours, seeing doctors and the Oncologist and undergoing other testing. It is going to be very busy. In all these things I need God’s help and strength and realise each day that I can’t go through all this without Him.

In the last weeks I have been feeling my energy level dropping, getting tired quicker and slowly losing weight. Although I continue to eat and sleep well I can feel that the cancer takes its toll on my body. Never the less I need to look onward and upward, that is where my and your help comes from.

I end this posting wishing you a blessed Easter, a time of joy and thankfulness to our Saviour Jesus Christ who rescues sinners and raises them to everlasting life in Him. Hallelujah What a Saviour! Thank you for your prayers and so many ways of showing your care.
May you be a blessing to many and many a blessing to you.
John

 

 

Learn to see God in everything.

Many people imagine that God has a great to do with their prayer closet but nothing to do with their pantry. If this were so, life would be dreadful. We should see as much of the Lord's hand on the kitchen table as on the communion table. The same love that spreads the table when we commemorate our Saviour's dying, love spreads the table to provide our daily bread. Learn to see God in everything. Learn to praise Him for all that you have.

Charles. H. Spurgeon.

 

 

A Future and a Hope.

While I have many reasons to rejoice and be happy, I find that joy is not part of me this week. I think it is partly due to my circumstances because at times I can feel that my health and vigor is slowly slipping. I feel more tired at times and the willpower and energy is not what it used to be. Life is good, however, the daily cares of cancer sometimes make me sad when I look at the circumstances, especially when my body gives me discomfort. Sometimes I compare it to sliding down a pipe, if you have the strength and you squeeze hard you can stop yourself, if someone puts oil on the pipe it is impossible to stop, that is what it feels like, a sliding down without being able to stop. We are powerless but God can give the Grace for me to let go. It has been said" for every look to self we need to look ten times to Christ"

I know I need to look beyond all my daily cares to the future as in Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

It has been five months ago that I had my last Chemo treatment. Considering that, God has blessed me a great deal by giving me life. Recently, I have heard about several people that were diagnosed with Kidney cancer and died only months later. How easy it is to overlook God’s blessings. Psalm 90 says it beautifully “so teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom”

The wait for more treatments does not help the fact either, I think. I was told this week by BC Cancer Research that it could be another month before anything will happen in terms of more Chemo treatment. It is because it is a new Chemo treatment that needs to pass many regulations and tests before any patient will receive a newly invented drug. So the wait goes on. Yet on the other hand I really look up against it to receive more Chemo treatments of any sort because I know what side effects can be. These thoughts and experiences are being tossed around in my head.

Yet I know through it all that I am not walking alone on this road of cancer. It brought me back to an article from John Piper that I posted a long time ago titled “Don’t waste your cancer”. Even if you don’t have cancer it is worthwhile reading or if you suffer from another serious decease. It really applies to everybody.

Again I want to thank you for your prayers and the many different ways of showing your care.
God be with you and bless you.
John

In adversity we usually want God to do a removing job when He wants to do an improving job.
Author Unknown

 

The love of God

The Christian knows no change with regard to God. He may be rich today and poor tomorrow; he may be sick today and well tomorrow; he may be happy today and sad tomorrow but there is no change regarding his relationship to God. If He loved me yesterday, He loves me today.

Alistair Begg

Romans 8:39

 

 

In the hollow of God's hand

There is really no change in regards to my illness with cancer. I try to live my life day by day looking to God for continued strength. It gives me mixed feelings when I hear of many people suffering and dying from cancer and other serious deceases. On the one hand it makes me sad and I realize each day how fragile I am and that life is indeed like a vapor that comes and disappears. On the other hand it gives me a deep appreciation for life, thankfulness and peace that my life is resting in the hollow of Gods hand. 

In this blog entry I would like to give encouragement to those who are suffering from cancer. Judging by the statistics that one in four people will suffer from some form of cancer, I feel that I need to encourage you. I want to include all people that suffer from other serious and life threatening diseases or injuries. I want to tell you that here is hope, also for you.

Last week Henrietta and I had the opportunity to attend a conference from Kidney Cancer Canada. It was a worthwhile day with knowledgeable speakers and a lot of good information. It was also an opportunity to meet many people who are also inflicted with Kidney cancer. I met patients with great fear, anxiety, disbelief, but also patients with hope. I thought about the people I met and felt the need to write to those without hope.

A diagnosis of cancer is a terrible thing. When we hear those dreaded words, "I'm sorry, but it is cancer," most of us immediately go into full panic mode. We wonder what we will do, we wonder how long we have to live, we wonder who will care for our loved ones while we are sick or if we die, we wonder how much pain we will be in...and the list goes on! We "wonder," but what we are really doing is worrying. We can even wonder where God has gone, does He not realize what is happening?

Those of us with potentially fatal diseases - and there are millions in North America today- find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God's will. So where is God when the diagnosis of cancer is given? He's right where He has always been, right by your side, ready to help you through the pain and suffering, ready to give you His healing touch and blessings. The question is, are you willing to surrender to God who allowed cancer to come into your life and who is so willing to help you through this difficult time and unpredictable illness.

If you are unfamiliar with God or the Bible I urge you to find a church where the Bible is explained in truth. If you want God to be your Guide you need to surrender to God and lay your needs before Him,confess your sins and believe on Him. There are many examples in the Bible that leads people like yourself to Christ. Here is one from Romans 10.

Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Personally my hope is not in the doctors, oncologists and countless other medical experts. However, I must say that I believe that God will use these people and their medical knowledge and can surely bless their efforts.  My hope is in God who made Heaven and Earth and created you and me. It is God who holds the keys to life and death, nothing happens outside of Gods will.

God's presence in the face of cancer is miraculous! As you come to terms with the diagnosis of cancer or some other serious disease, remember that God is right there, waiting for you to call on Him. Psalm 50:15 "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."   Don't let fear overcome you, but pray instead for God's presence and the comfort of His loving care. You too can lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus.

Picture yourself in a hospital bed. The fog of anesthesia has begun to wear away. A doctor stands at your feet; a loved one holds your hand at the side. "It's cancer," the doctor announces. The natural reaction is to turn to God and ask him "Dear God, make it all go away." This is our human nature, we don’t want to suffer or go through difficult times. I suggest you also ask God to give you His strength and bless this time for yourself and others as you go through the furnace of affliction, you will be amazed by the blessings that God will pour on you. Your sorrow will draw you closer to God, closer to those you love, closer to issues that matter.

The day is coming when diseases will be no more. When you have Christ as your Saviour, death and tears will no longer exist in eternity. Your tears of today will be wiped away and turn into joy on the day when you enter into Glory with Jesus.

I would love to visit you if you are struggling, or if you know of someone who is struggling with cancer or some other disease or issues. I know I am only another man that is afflicted with cancer, but sometimes we just need someone to come along side for encouragement and I am willing to do that. Feel free to contact me at johnvanwoerden@yahoo.com If the distance is to big feel free to write or call.

Most of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms with peace and hope. In so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live.
Psalm 8: 4 "What is man that Thou art mindful of him"? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us, each and every day, lies in the same safe place, in the hollow of God's hand.
John

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

 

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

When I get to Heaven

When I get to heaven, I shall see three wonders there. The first wonder will be to see many there whom I did not expect to see; the second wonder will be to miss many people who I did expect to see; and the third and greatest of all will be to find myself there.

John Newton (1725-1807)
English evangelical minister and hymn writer

 

 

Joy comes in the morning

We read in Psalm 30: 5 Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. This week we experienced both. Henrietta’s mother was again hospitalised, she is 92 years old and worn out and she is looking forward to the day she will be united with her Lord and Saviour. Her health and mental state give us much concern for her present welfare and at times it weighs heavy on us.

On Wednesday morning March 6, we received the joyful news that Stephanie our daughter and her husband Chad received a very healthy and beautiful daughter Zara Lena, a sister to Seth and Luke and our eighth grandchild. Great is the joy in our family and I truly rejoiced for the very reason that I got to see this day. This is Gods amazing Grace indeed. What a great blessing God has given us in our children and grandchildren. No explanation is needed to agree with Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of ones youth.

 

Proud Grandparents

 

Granddaughter Zara Lena

Each day I receive a devotion from Alistair Begg. Today’s devotion spoke about faith and this is what he said. “Faith gives feet to the soul, enabling it to march along the road of the commandments. Love can make the feet move more swiftly; but it is faith that carries the soul. Faith is the oil enabling the wheels of holy devotion and of practical holiness to move well; and without faith the wheels are taken from the chariot, and we drag ourselves along. With faith I can do all things; without faith I will be missing both the inclination and the power to do anything in the service of God.” I pray that God continues to "oil my wheels" and keep my faith and focus on Him.

As I am writing, the passage from Acts 8:38 came to mind where Philip baptised the eunuch. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. On many days I too go on my way rejoicing knowing that I don't walk this road alone but with God and that He never leaves us or forsakes us. Life is a blessing, even in valleys of life where God carries us and brings joy in the morning. How I pray that I would feel like this each day, sadly enough it is not always the case when I get bogged down with the reality of cancer and life's cares become overwhelming.

I am still waiting for further test results and possible treatments. I know they have not forgotten me. We rejoice in hope, are patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)

Thank you for your prayers and encouragements in many ways and we thank and praise God for continued opportunities and blessings in countless ways.
John

God has not promised

God has not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our life through; God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way; grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Author Unknown

 

 

Two years later

Today I looked back, first to the day that I was diagnosed, then one year and now two years later. I went back and read what I wrote on each of the mentioned dates. March 4, 2011 that is when the word came to me personally with the message, “you shall surely die”. This short sentence can be found 11 times in the ESV Bible. This is a sentence that nobody wants to hear, yet one day we will face it.

Two years ago on March 4, 2011 my doctor stood across from me with tears in his eyes and said, John you have terminal cancer and one year to live, maybe a little more. After that he sat down, looked at me and continued, humanly speaking there is no hope of healing for you, but God can do great things. Pray for complete healing and I will do the same. How thankful I was to have a Christian doctor. It gave me much courage right from the start.

In the two years that lay behind me I travelled through some deep valleys, often times bodily but also spiritually, yet I can only say that God has been so good to me and Henrietta. It has taught me much about God, His grace, love and infinite mercy and much good has come out of this journey with cancer. Before I was diagnosed I never or rarely thought that I would travel the road I am presently on, yet here I am on a road with a sign at the beginning “you shall surely die”. 

JOHN NEWTON (1725-1807) used this beautiful example: The other day I was at Deptford, and saw a ship launched: she slipped easily into the water; the people on board shouted; the ship looked clean―she was freshly painted, and her colors flying. But I looked at her with a sort of pity: “Poor ship,” I thought, “you are now in port and in safety; but before long you must go to sea. Who can tell what storms you may meet with hereafter, and to what hazards you may be exposed; how weather-beaten you may be before you return to port again.”

This is so true, we will never know what stormy seas await us. One thing is sure, if Jesus is your Captain you will be safe. No matter how storms may howl, how rough the seas may be, He will never leave you or forsake you.

I have no idea who the readers of this blog are, I do know however that they are from all over the world and that many people log in each day to read what is written here and that each of you will face your Creator sooner or later, God Himself. No matter if we live a life of luxury or poverty, we all have the same warning sign at the beginning of our road “you shall surely die”.

The question is, how will you stand before God? Redeemed by Jesus or Guilty? If indeed you are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, “you shall surely live eternally.” If guilty, then today is the day of Salvation, repent and believe on Christ.

This week I finished the five radiation treatments I started last week. It caused an increase in pain which hopefully will subside in the next days. I have not received any word yet in regards to future Chemotherapy treatments. I do know the tests are being worked on and that I should receive more information soon.

I want to thank all of you who so faithfully pray for us for healing, strength and courage. Thank you for emailing, leaving messages on this blog, cards,phone calls and visits. Your care deeply humbles us. The Lord bless you and keep you all.

With much thankfulness to God I stand before year number three with more cancer in my body than the last two years. What it will bring I do not know, I do know that God never makes mistakes and even though I have more cancer than other years, God can heal, that I know and believe with all my heart. To Him be the Glory.
John

In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear.
And safe in such confiding, for nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

 

Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back.
My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack.
His wisdom ever waking, His sight is never dim.
He knows the way He’s taking, and I will walk with Him.

 

Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen.
Bright skies will soon be over me, where darkest clouds have been.
My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free.
My Savior has my treasure, and He will walk with me.
Anna L. Waring