The latest update is January 7.
We’ve had a challenging yet miraculous journey this year, encountering ‘grace upon grace’. You won’t find a summary below, but you can find a link to one on the home page or here. Instead, we want to share scripture that met us in full power each step of the way:
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:1, 4-5, 16
Countless times before infusions or a scheduled medical procedure, the following verse would come to mind:
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
Despite facing what logically would be reasons for despair, we were continually reminded of this truth instead:
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-19
The night before Diane’s first radiation treatment, God provided peace through this verse:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
The evening before scheduled dental work, God sent this verse to Diane via her prayer app:
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7
As both of us have faced health difficulties and the realization of our old age, we frequently renewed our trust, commitment, and confidence with these passages:
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Psalm 73:26
‘I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.’ Isaiah 46:4
Despite the challenges of our journey this year, we are overwhelmed with our blessings! Our children love us, and love and care for each other! Our grandchildren love us, and love being with each other! The Lord has trusted us with so much, while so many in the world suffer. We don’t understand, but we want to be faithful. And while we don’t know what we will face next year, the overwhelming love that we sense from you, the love that we have for you, and the love expressed by our Savior when He paid the price for our sins, makes it’s easy for us to shout:
Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103:1–4
As you face this season and the new year in the middle of your own life’s journey, our prayer for you is this:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13