In Singleness Of Mind Take Such A Leap Of Faith

FROM SINNER TO SAINT

Larry was coming out of the world of addiction.  He first crossed my path as a new person to pick up part of our bus ministry.  Unshaven and smoking right up to the door of the bus; sometimes he was ready for church and sometime not.  Larry was a true seeker.  He was exhausted by his present life and no longer wanted his past to define his future.  Before long, his attendance not only became regular, but he could be counted on for both Sunday a.m. and p.m. services along with Wednesday night.  He was baptized and received the Holy Ghost.  Shortly there after, his children were baptized as well as his children’s mother. 

IN THE CROSS HAIRS OF THE ENEMY

Larry, who fought all of the pulls of the world; emerged as a solid member of the body of Christ; and has brought many to the Lord; at least one who was at death’s dark door and was saved just before cancer took her life.  This, of course got the enemy’s attention.  A little more than a year ago, Larry was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer; a very aggressive strain of cancer.  Doctors gave him maybe a year to eighteen months if he would undergo surgery and chemo treatment; less than three months without treatment.  The mass was going out of control.

CHOOSING FAITH IN THE BLOOD AND STRIPES

The death sentence rattled Larry at first and plunged him into depression.  No one could expect him to be his usual jolly self with that all too familiar smile.  Heavy decisions had to be made and his choices surprised many of us.  He was going to put complete trust in God and the faith that God had given him.  His name kept coming up on our prayer chain and he kept coming to church; looking weaker every time we saw him.  Death seemed to hover.

SNATCHED FROM DEATH’S DOOR

Then one day, a joy filled Larry entered church.  He was completely healed of cancer!  The doctors couldn’t believe it.  There was no medical explanation, but we all knew what had happened.  Our Father in Heaven had other plans for Larry.  The manifestation of the promise was fulfilled; “By His stripes ye are healed!” 

The details of Larry’s story have been recorded here to the best of my recollection.  If you are ever at Calvary Gospel Church in Madison, ask for Larry Smith, he can fill you in more accurately.  It was at my last service in Madison that Larry’s pastor announced the good news of this profound miracle of the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Larry among others who defy modern medicine and choose faith in the Ancient of Days; who in singleness of mind take such a leap of faith; they are the living heroes of the Gospel. 

 “Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.  (15)  And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee (Deuteronomy 7:14-15).

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24)

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Prayer:  Lord God Almighty, our Heavenly Father whose name Jesus is above all names; in whose name there is all power; that n the breath of your mouth all is created and sustained; to you Lord, the Great Physician; I am humbled at your Word.  Faith comes from hearing the WORD.  Lord reign in my life, give me faith that passes all understanding.  Help me make you my first response, bringing all things to you in prayer, coming boldly before your throne of grace; in Jesus’ name, Amen.