Promises of Good

So many of you ask from time to time what specifically would we ask prayer for. First, it is so wonderful, and very humbling to have so many asking and praying for even the general things. It is also wonderful and humbling to know that many are praying for specific action on our behalf. We know firsthand the power of prayer. There are many examples of answered prayer, even those that were answered not as we had hoped. We see God at work throughout the length, breadth and height of our life. We might not understand his work and how it fits in his economy, but just seeing the answers and his work are enough for us.

Here is something specific to pray for, but first a little background.

You will remember that the scans I have had to date have revealed what was suspected to be scar tissue in my lungs, possibly from a long ago infection. The scan I had on January 7 at Fair Oaks INOVA showed that two nodules in my right lung, upper lobe, had grown by 8mm from the reference scan taken on our earlier visit, November 7. The radiologist interpreting the scan suggested that the growth over the preceding two months were likely metastatic disease, or cancer. But our visit with our oncologist, Dr Felice, last Friday gave other options.

He ordered a CEA blood test. This is the test for the cancer markers. To paraphrase Dr Felice, if the score comes back at or near the same levels as the last test, then it may be that the nodules are some infection that has been awakened due to the suppressed immune system, so he will refer me to a pulmonologist, who can run some other tests to determine what the nodules are. If the CEA score is higher than the previous test, the assumption is that the nodules are cancer, that the cancer has stopped responding to this regime of therapy, and he will implement a new regime of therapy. We should have the answers Monday, January 24.

So we ask that you pray that the CEA score is lower than the previous score of 2.2. We also ask that if the score is higher, that God would guide in the decisions regarding the course of action before us, that we would have a full measure of peace and strength impartedto us, and that we would be used by God to magnify him to those around us.

Today we took a trip to Newport News to see Caleb and Megan, and to attend the Sinfonicron Light Opera Company's production of Gilbert & Sullivan's "Patience" at William and Mary. As our first exposure to a full Gilbert & Sullivan work, the production was outstanding. The student production staff and actors put this show together in just two weeks. Now I woud like to see other Gilbert & Sullivan works. Congratulations to all who had a part in this wonderful show.

We have had many good days this past week. Now we wait for the call from our doctor. We're not worried about this. How can we be, since our God is bigger than this, and I know that truly he has already conquered this. To be sure, difficult, dark days may be ahead. But God Has promised good to me, as John Newton wrote. What comfort is provoked by these words:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.