ViaDolorosa: I found Christ!

When the news first broke and when Connie called me from Malaysia to say that the doctor wanted me back because it was cancer - I recall just numbness. Although we sort of expected it because the Specialist warned us it didn't look good - nevertheless when it was official - it was difficult to accept.

The morning after I got the call, I went out for a run. - Wichita Sunrise

It was always someone else who got cancer but now the "Big C has come to me!" Immediately, I felt like a countdown clock was placed on my forehead and death became real. Funny isn't it how we live our lives never thinking about death and how imminent it can be....until news like this comes.

Quiet walk along the Olentangy River

I began to spend time in quiet reflection, reading the Word and praying over the next few days whenever I could - in the long car rides, seeing the beautiful sunrise in Wichita, quiet walks along the Olentangy River. I recall thinking, "I thank God that I can be here to experience all this serenity before going back." Something beautiful began to happen. God's Word came alive (every verse), songs ministered deeply, prayers became intimate and the sermons spoke right into my soul. In the trial - I FOUND CHRIST! Its true, as Daniel's friends discovered, as Stephen observed and the many suffering saints found out - Christ shows up in suffering!

When everything is shaken, when death is staring me in the eye - Christ is the one unshakable foundation.

Little did I know Connie was experiencing the same back home in Malaysia. His presence enveloped us with such a peace. We worshipped, we prayed, we experienced His presence so richly. No wonder it is possible to be joyful in the midst of trials especially when Christ is found in the rubble of life!