He is our LIVING HOPE. {Jon Williams Story}

One of our church members Jon Williams describes his fight with cancer.

​A trip to the doctor in February 2016 revealed the presence of stage 4 cancer at work within me. The prognosis was dire with no time to waste. But, due to the advanced progress of cancer, some doctors I met with stated little hope for real success in the process. Basically, I heard them say, “Good luck, Buddy!”

Shock, surprise, and concern were felt by my wife, Pam, my three sons, and my grandkids. No one expects this kind of diagnosis, yet cancer remains a vast nuisance to mankind. Now I was included in that multitude.

My immediate family is all saved by the blood of Jesus Christ (blessings abound!). While the news was lousy, my family prayed, offered help and especially looked after my wife, Pam. I had plenty of prayer support from my church family, pastors, staff, deacons, and my Sunday school class.

After the doctor told me the news, he left the room for a moment. Pam and I were alone with God. Immediately, I raised my arms to the sky and verbally surrendered. His will be done.

Two surgeries immediately followed my diagnosis. Then, about a year of chemo, radiation, and more chemo. The cancer was mostly dead in 2016. Two more major surgeries followed in 2017.

I literally lived in Psalm 23 and Lamentations 3 for quite some time. Morning by morning, my outlook changed from doing or speaking about Jesus "someday" to boldly sharing. No time to waste.

My journey took me to many places, and I met many people I never would have in my everyday world. They all heard about Jesus whether they wanted to or not. I was still praying for and talking with my cancer doctor. One visit my doctor had a guest NP with her and she introduced me, told my story, and summed up with, "But he's not normal". I spoke up and said, "And you know why!"

I’m not done yet. I will always be a cancer patient in this life. The victory is not in living without cancer but in walking with Jesus as my living hope.

If God be for us, who (or what) can be against us? There is so much blessing and promise in Christ. We can't understand all of what Scripture says. How can we expect to understand all of life's circumstances, some cruel, gruesome, and painful, unlike what we would have chosen?

In Matthew 5-7, Jesus spoke of and offered a beautiful picture of what life in the Kingdom is and shared that it is available (in part) right now for those who accept His offering. One especially important concept: Don't waste time! Use and appreciate every moment.

Life changes quickly. Where uncertainty lives, challenges abound. We find strength in Jesus, our Living Hope. He is the anchor of our souls, the One who offers eternal security amidst the shifting tides of life. The Bible reminds us in Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" This powerful truth reassures us that no matter what trials we face, we have the assurance of victory through Christ.

Living for the Kingdom of God requires a sense of urgency. Time is a precious gift, and we are called to make the most of it for God's purposes. The urgency lies in recognizing that every passing moment is an opportunity to impact lives, share the love of Christ, and advance God's Kingdom. 

The urgency of time compels us to live intentionally, loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

In the midst of life's challenges, Jesus remains our unwavering hope. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As we place our trust in Him, we can be assured that His promises endure. Let us fix our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, and find strength to press on, knowing that our hope is in Christ alone.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for being our Living Hope. Help us to embrace the urgency of time and live purposefully for Your Kingdom. Grant us the wisdom to prioritize what truly matters and the courage to share Your love with those around us. Strengthen us in moments of doubt or weariness, reminding us that You are always with us. May our lives reflect the hope we have in You, drawing others into Your loving embrace. In Jesus' name, amen.