“In 90 minutes, I went from calling 911 to receiving a stent in my right coronary artery. I can only thank God,” my cousin’s husband said. An incredible specimen of discipline, good choices, logic, and stability, (D) has always been someone I’ve looked to for advice and modeling. I was stunned when I heard that two days ago, he was being rushed to the hospital due to a heart attack. What? My wife, Jennie, and I stopped our busy day, joined hands, and prayed. She was constantly in contact with (D)’s wife and the other cousins about his journey.
I first met (D) at one of the multi-generational family Christmas gatherings. (D) and I married into this electric family but were never treated like outsiders. Welcomed in from the get-go, it was as if my family tripled overnight – and got much prettier, too! Lots of women in this group. As time passed, I learned more about (D)’s character and breadth of knowledge. This guy can read. He’s up on everything, especially computers and technology. While giving a tour of the house at our turn to host a family Thanksgiving, we stopped in one of the rooms and talked for an hour about the new Macs. I heard a voice from beyond and was reminded that I was supposed to be carving the turkey, so it was time for the conversation to pivot.
We have always had something to talk about. In the early days, one thing that never came up was God. In a former version of me that I’ve managed to shed, I would never slow down conversations with talk about religion. I wasn’t in touch with my faith and didn’t really know Jesus. Besides, I never knew the basis of (D)’s faith. It wasn’t until we moved to Carolina six years ago that I got to know him better, where I was more confident in my faith and comfortable in our relationship. He’s a quiet guy, not showy about anything, not even his faith. You have to watch out for those quiet people; they’re usually much deeper and more dimensional than they appear. I now consider him someone I can talk with about anything — anything. We talk family, health, careers, politics, technology, and more especially, faith.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:1-2
What is striking about this Psalm is that it begins by acknowledging God’s eternal nature. God has been the refuge and protector of His people throughout all generations. It’s like when you return to the ocean or mountains after a long absence; the permanence is undeniable. It’s immovable. God is a million-fold more so. The Psalmist encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing the brevity of life and the importance of aligning one’s life with God’s purposes.
“Where or who do you give credit for your faith?” I asked.
“I’ve always been involved with church,” he replied. “As I got older, I became involved as a Deacon and Elder for multiple churches. While working for DOT in Virginia, a friend named Bill got me involved with a Bible Study group. How he lived with so much joy and faith greatly impacted me, and my faith walk.” (D) isn’t an envious guy, but he loves to credit people when they deserve it. He is the first one to point out awesomeness when he sees it. (D) continued, “‘I want some of what you got,’ I told him. One time, we flew to South Carolina for a fishing trip. As we were landing a storm was headed toward us with the airport in between.” (D) told me that it rained the entire time. No fish were to be had. “On the last day, our trip was delayed due to the heavy rain and the storm. Bill said, ‘Great, we get to spend more time together.’ Aside from his infectious faith and personality, his knowledge of Scripture was amazing!”
(D) came at me with the kudos I was expecting. “My wife (L) has a huge impact on my faith! Her support and example of the Christian way is inspiring. She has supported me at every turn.” I was nodding my head as he unfolded this to me. I can personally attest to her unwavering love of Jesus and all His teachings. No matter our humble Christian roots, we grow as our understanding of God’s will increases, and we’re pruned as His branches. “As time goes by, I learn that each experience has been positive in some way. I’m blessed to have a relationship with God. So many things lead to God’s presence. I’m a lucky guy.”
When asked about his go-to, lean-on comfort food Scripture, (D) replied, “There are so many, but the simplest answer would be John 3:16.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
While the words are everyday common language to us, they weren’t to Nicodemus seeking divine truth from Jesus. We see them on billboards, painted on buildings, in ads, and in charcoal black on athletes’ faces. For an educated Jew in the 1st Century, the words must have been astonishing. He wasn’t familiar with the character of God Jesus was describing. We can learn from this that God always takes the first step. He gave His only Son because He loves us through our sins. We were in the world then, and we are still in it now.
Martin Luther is known for crediting this passage as “the gospel in miniature.” It’s a foundational cornerstone precept. What is sometimes missed is in the words themselves. The Greek word for “so” (houtos) translated into English means “to this extent” or “in this manner.” Of course, God loves us. Scott Stein, from preparedtoanswer.org, captivates the heart of John 3:16 best, “It wasn’t our worth that brought Jesus down; rather his coming down brought us our worth.” The verse highlights that salvation is initiated by God’s love, not human effort. It is a gift offered out of God’s grace.
(D)’s walk in faith wasn’t all peaches and cream. Despite the hardships, he poured out God’s grace the same way equally to the world. “For a while in my life, I was unemployed, and one day, when I looked at the Social Security benefit charts where they listed my earnings over the years, it was an eye-opener. I had some incredible years and some years when I made less than $0, but they don’t post negative numbers.” We chuckled. “I had no earnings, but I still gave to God. It was the easiest money I ever gave. I never looked back. It wasn’t tithing. I’ve been blessed and always wanted to share with others.”
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
“Since we’ve moved out to the mountains, I’ve gotten involved with Camp New Hope. (https://www.campnewhopenc.com/).” Their website states, “They welcome children facing life-threatening illnesses so they can share one unforgettable and life-altering week with their family – away from the hospital and at no cost.” (D) is a fantastic photographer blessed with God-given skills. He has documented the camp’s patients and their families seventeen times.
Getting choked up, he said, “One time, there was a ten-year-old boy with terminal cancer who wanted to get Baptized before he died. It was cold out, and the water was colder. He went out into the river with his mom.” Taking time to catch his breath (D) said, “After his Baptism, his 16-year-old brother carried him to the shore in his arms.” Crying, he said, “It looked like Jesus was carrying the child. I got to be the guy who took the picture. God was with his mom.”
I asked Drew about his general thoughts on life, especially in light of his recent heart attack. “It’s not something I want to do again. Hopefully, it’s a one-and-done thing. God has a purpose for me. I’ve always felt this. God’s not done with me yet. 90 minutes!” Not being flip but espousing his faith, he quipped, “I’m riding shotgun with God.” (D) knows who is in charge, whose plan it is, and who he answers to, and he also knows he’s not alone in this life.
“God is always with me. Some people aren’t sure about God. But as I’m getting older,” and more aware, I thought to myself, “I am more certain than ever of my destiny. I have no doubt where my Mom and Dad are and where I’m going. God’s plan for me has included so many things!” Including this recent heart attack, a tumor on my shoulder requiring surgery, glucagonoma — a rare pancreatic condition that can lead to metastatic cancer, he’s been through trauma that can only be held together by faith. More than 50% of glucagonoma cases are metastatic at the time of diagnosis. “A specialist had just rolled in from California when it was time for my surgery and left a few months later. He removed 60% of my pancreas and said I’m good to go. He was the exact guy I needed.”
“God is real. Don’t doubt it,” (D) proclaimed! God isn’t just a figurehead or clockmaker watching us fumble; God’s our loving Father who keeps us company through the greatest times and worst times imaginable. You can’t ride shotgun if you’re alone in the car. Immanuel. God with us.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14:
Life Application:
- Recognize that you are deeply loved by God. Rest in the assurance of this love and salvation. Even in difficult times, knowing that your relationship with God is secure through faith in Jesus will give you peace.
- Live with Purpose. Make choices that reflect the values of God’s Kingdom. In times of trial, remind yourself of God’s unwavering love and the eternal perspective that comes with it. This can give you the strength to endure difficulties with hope and perseverance.