Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Our Little Boat of HOPE and Answered Prayer


A little over a week ago, the Friday before we left the hospital, we were visited by an Oncologist whose job  was to give us the pathology report.  He told us what he knew about the cancer that was still in Fred’s abdomen and he told us what he would do to treat it and what we could expect from that treatment.  It was a message without HOPE.  As we went to sleep that night, having committed ourselves to the GOD of the Universe, our FATHER, we were at peace.  In the early morning hours Fred awoke and turned to the WORD and GOD opened the scripture to 2Kings 19:6-37, then he called to me and I read it also…GOD had built us a little boat of HOPE, and tucked us inside, and WE purposed in our hearts to stay right there!  We are not filled with fear, because the same LORD who Hezekiah served is our LORD too.  This is what the doctor said.  What is in the abdomen is the same type of cancer that was on Fred’s neck two years.  It’s a poorly differentiated small cell cancer.  There is no cure, only treatment.  That treatment is chemo, and because this type of cancer is aggressive, chemo will have a positive effect on killing it, but it won’t get it all and it will only work once. He said his median life expectancy is 3 months without their chemo and 9 months with their chemo. 

And then the LORD opened HIS WORD to 2Kings 19:6-37…. 

This post has been really hard to put out there because we have HIS amazing peace abiding in our hearts.  It’s been hard to write it all out, the prognosis wants to keep coming up and smacking us in the face, but we are looking with anticipation of the miracle our LORD has the power to perform.  

We have been waiting for the LORD to tell us what to do next.  Last Saturday night we got our answer.  HE has been very clear to us and has directed us in another way.  We will begin incorporating a new protocol within the week.  We feel this new protocol has great potential, but it’s just our little part, it’s that little something we can be doing while HE does HIS will…and we are good with whatever comes!

So now I would just ask you to step in FAITH into our little boat of HOPE, with a prayer to GOD that HIS will would be done and that we would have the grace to accept it.  I think soon our little boat of HOPE will become a ship of FAITH as GOD grows it to hold us all.  And no matter how big the waves, we will all feel safe in HIS presence.

I asked Fred to share a closing thought, and this is what he said… “All I want to say is that there’s nothing like HOPE!  You can’t put a value on HOPE, it’s just amazing!  We praise GOD for JESUS!”

IN STRONG HOPE,  Fred & Brenda

28 comments:

  1. Our HOPE is built on nothing less than Jesus blood...Our prayers are continually to the Fathers throne that HIS mighty hand will carry you along the path He has carved out for you. We Love you very much and look forward to seeing you all this weekend. XOXO

    Mike & Gretchen

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  2. Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way. Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus that is all.

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Becky

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  3. Dear Ones, We're in the boat with you without any hesitation! God has always been faithful and we certainly know we can trust Him with all of the details. The bumper sticker I saw last week speaks volumes "Life's Tough - Pray Hard". Our continual prayers will be with you and your dear family! We Love You! Kev & Neec

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  4. Bro. Fred and Sis. Brenda,
    Thank you for posting this message. You know our thoughts and prayers are with you every step of the way. Ps. 31:24
    Love and prayers,
    Marvin and Nancy

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  5. God is capable of miracles beyond our comprehension. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

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  6. Our LORD is all powerful! We pray that you continue to feel HIS peace and hope.

    Tory & Wendy

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  7. Brenda & Fred...words cannot express how much we love and care for you! We are strapped in the boat right along with you and will continue to pray and claim God's promises for you! Such a beautiful way of expressing God's love for ALL of us...He will not fail us!

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  8. Acts 10:17 ...Peter was shown not to doubt, but rather follow the direction of the Spirit. He went with Cornelius and by doing so many souls were saved. Read this after reading your post. We have that same confidence that you, likewise, have been led by the Spirit. We will certainly join you in your little boat that, no doubt, will become a ship of Faith. How our prayers continue on your behalf to our great God that His path for you will remain very clear!
    All r love!
    Matt, Sara & family

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  9. Make room for us in your boat of HOPE. God is so good at glorifying His name. We are praying with you. ~Joel & Erin

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  10. Greetings, Bro. Fred, Sis. Brenda & family;
    May God's Spirit comfort and direct you each step of the way. Zion's Harp #199 verse 6.
    Bob & Linda.

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  11. We are with you in the boat praying and praying. We will row for you when you need us. Let us know when there is something we can do.

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  12. Move over Sis I'm coming in too... We join you in your boat of HOPE and pray that it becomes a
    SHIP of faith.

    HOPE = a confident expectation

    May this journey continue to bring GLORY to God the Father who holds your hand with HIS righteous right hand. Is. 41:10 There is comfort and protection there.

    We are keeping you in our prayers, we love you dearly - always remember that!
    Craig and Jacki

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  13. Praying for God's continued peace & hope in the coming days...May His presence calm the troubled waters. Love, Mike & Marsha

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  14. Praying for you as God gives you hope on this journey you are on. He is always with you every step of the way. May He fill your hearts with peace as well as hope. Ron & Diane

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  15. I have been praying for you all. The blessing of Christian family is that we can Hope and Pray along with you (make room in your boat).
    Love,
    Emily

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  16. Bro. Fred and Sis. Brenda
    You certainly are in our thoughts and prayers. May you continue to feel God's grace, peace, and nearness.
    Ben and Val

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  17. Hope: Its the anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast! After reading this post my thoughts go back to last wednesday night and our visit that we had. There may be some changes since then but the message is the same. Hope. I will continue to be prayerful and hopeful!

    Alex

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  18. It rings in our ears what we heard @ the Conference that HOPE is a noun,not a verb which is a confident expectation. We are praying and hoping and trusting. In Christ, Bill & Anna

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  19. Thanks for sharing those thoughts - we feel that hope too and will continue to pray for God's peace.
    Our love always,
    Jeremy & Shara

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  20. Fred and Brenda,
    We are praying that you can feel God's almighty hands holding you closely to His father heart.
    Praying as we row along with you,
    Ed & Ruth Leman

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  21. Fred & Brenda,
    Trusting in the Lord to guide this ship of faith safely thru these stormy seas. Praying for you as you continue on in peace & hope.
    Love, Karl & Bethany

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  22. Hope and trust are beautiful words. When we can trust that our Father knows what is best. When our future is in His hands. When we can rest in His love and care. And when we have hope in our future, no matter what that future is. He is so great. We are praying for you.
    Love,
    Bryan & Lisa

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  23. Fred & Brenda
    It's so strenthening to see your perfect trust as God is guiding you step by step. We pray for that to continue each day.
    He IS a God of HOPE...Romans 15:13
    Love you dearly
    Ernie & Carol

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  24. Praying that God will grant you the strength for each new day. Your hope and faith are a light for Him.
    Love,
    Wendi K

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  25. Holding you up in our hearts and prayers as you face each new day with the hope that is found in our Lord, Jesus Christ. We love you.

    Jeff & Sarah Mueller

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  26. Prayers from Goodfield that you will continue to feel God's perfect peace. Mike and Amber Grimm.

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  27. U. Fred & A. Brenda,
    "Which hope we have as anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast..." Heb. 6:19 What a blessing to be able to lean on the Lord, our anchor, knowing that HE will never leave nor forsake us. Your hope and faith encourages our hearts! We love you!!
    Love,
    Clint & Kyrstin

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  28. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your heart with the rest of your Christian Family. Ever since it {"Hope"} was expounded on at the Conference this year, I've viewed it in a different light!

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