Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16).
I am so thankful there are so many righteous people who have prayed for Sherrye and me during her battle with cancer. I know God answered those prayers and we are so very thankful to God for His goodness. Even though we have been put through a distressing ordeal we have been blessed all throughout this trial in life. The multiplicity of tests and the myriad of criteria that can affect the severity and criticality of her cancer always came back on the low side. Her surgery went well and her recovery has been steady and getting better every day.
On the Friday that our young people were going to Freed-Hardeman for RUSH, we had been waiting all day to hear from Sherrye’s oncologist about the results of a special cancer gene test to determine if she would need chemotherapy. Just as we pulled into the parking lot to drop Jonathan off, we got the call with the news Sherrye would not need chemo! She was so excited she wanted to jump out and tell everyone the wonderful news, but we paused to take time to thank God for His goodness and for answering the prayers of so many wonderful Christian brothers and sisters.
Several years back, when Tiffany was faced with a tough issue, I asked her what should you do when life hands you a lemon and she remarked, “make a sour face!” We laughed so hard and then we explained that the correct answer is to “make lemonade.” James put it this way, Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (James 1:2-3).
When we are faced with difficulties in life, remember to pray, ask for prayers, and be assured that God answers prayer, this I know.
For the elders (Gregg Woodall)