Preparation Time

1. During the past 14 years I had 11 surgeries, yes that is right 11 surgeries. Talk about being in the Lord’s Boot Camp I was there, but I feel that the 11 surgeries prepared me for what was to come in 2006 which was being diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. It is truly amazing to look back at how I was able to make it through all those surgeries. I know that the only way I made it was through was with the Lord Jesus help. The Scripture verse from the Bible  that kept me  strong is:” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians  Chapter 4 verse 13. It never started out as 11 surgeries, it started with one surgery and ended with eleven. Here is the list: 5 foot reconstruction surgeries, 3 knee replacements, 1 right shoulder joint replacement, 1 right hip replacement and 1 back surgery which was done in february of 2009.

This is the Lord’s boot camp there was no other way for me to face my health problems but straight on, my back was against the wall and there were no other options.The pain was too great, and the quality of  life was diminishing. I knew from reading my Bible in the Book of Daniel where the the 3 Jewish boys Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar because they refused to bow down and worship the image of the king. The three Jewish boys knew that their God was able to deliver them even if they had to go into the furnace and God would deliver them and He did. For there was one walking with them in the furnace who looked lke the Son of God who was Jesus  and they didn’t get burned (Daniel Chapter 3). In my case I knew the Lord Jesus would get me through this trial and everything was going to be all right , it took 14 years. But those 14 years were used for preparation time for the next physical problem to come which was stage 4 prostate cancer.

During those 14 years I became a physical therapy expert, rehabbing and reading my Bible daily brought me closer to God. I remember having a cast on my foot and thinking what it would be like to workout again. The waiting time helped me to appreciate the things that we always take for granted like walking, moving your shoulder with no pain or riding a stationary bike. The toughest part of rehab was going through it after knee replacement, in order to get full range of motion the knee must constantly  be worked, bent and put through a whole assortment of movements which were killers, but I had to endure the torture in order to walk right again. All through it the Lord Jesus was helping me to endure and giving me patience to get through this physical thing that I was going through. It’s hard for people to imagine but as soon as one body part was repaired or replaced another part needed attention.

As of today I am back in the gym working out 4 to 5 days a week with stage 4 prostate cancer. And sharing my testimony to all who would listen of  the love and mercy that Jesus has provided for everyone through His death on the Cross and His Resurrection that He would grant eternal life to all who repent and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Through all of this I know that God is Soverign that until I fulfill His plan for my life I am here until He calls me home.

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