I recently received news that the cancer I’ve been battling off and on for 12 years has returned for the fifth time. So now my wife and I are prayerfully considering treatment possibilities. The therapy employed last time included a bone marrow transplant. And now with that normally last line of defense crossed, my doctor tells me we’re in “uncharted territory.” My lymphoma has continued to threaten to take my life. That’s why I’m glad I already was dead—but am now alive in Jesus.
Let me explain . . .
The apostle Paul wrote, “God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead” (Ephesians 2:4-5). Paul reveals that before I received salvation, I was dead in my sins. My thoughts were filled with rebellion against God, and I was separated from Him. But something amazing happened. By God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit within me, I was reborn. I became alive in Jesus when I believed in Him (Ephesians 2:8).
As a foretaste of what’s to come, I have been raised up with Him and seated in “the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6). Did you catch that? Those who have received salvation in Jesus are in Him and He is in us! His Spirit now dwells within, empowering us to avoid doing things against God’s holy ways (Ephesians 2:2-3), and comforting us with His presence and the hope we have in Him (Romans 8:10-11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
So today, I may be headed into uncharted territory from a medical sense, but my future is safe and secure in Christ. What about you? Today you can choose to move from death to life, from despair to hope. Receive Jesus by faith, die to sin and death, and be made alive in Him! (Galatians 2:20).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 6:9-22
More:
Read Colossians 2:13 and consider what it reveals about the work God has done to bring you from death to life in Jesus.
Next:
Have you received salvation through Jesus—dying to your sin nature and being made alive in Him? What does it mean for you to have the very Spirit of God alive within you?
Gary Shultz on January 4, 2016 at 6:44 am
I am so sorry Tom. You are a great source of encouragement and are a continual friend here at ODJ. May the prayers of the saints and the presence of the Father be comfort to you and your family. Thank you.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 9:50 am
Thanks so much, Gary. By God’s grace I’m doing well. May God be glorified through this!
nattykins on January 4, 2016 at 7:48 am
What a great devotional. Definitely needed. I myself have been going through some trials and feeling like God isn’t listening or not giving me definitive answers, but like you, I remind myself of what God has already done, and the hope He’s given us. My heart definitely goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. You are handling this in such a positive way, and for that,I commend you on your bravery and faith. Sending prayers your way my friend. God Bless.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 9:51 am
nattykins, praying for you today. May the words of Romans 15:13 be your experience.
bperez on January 4, 2016 at 7:52 am
come Holy Spirit come.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 9:53 am
So grateful for the presence of the Holy Spirit, bperez. What an amazing God—He dwells with us and within us!
vixyxwillie on January 4, 2016 at 7:59 am
My prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. May God himself be your portion – both now and forever.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 9:54 am
Amen, vixyxwillie. He is our portion, our hope, our life forever!
gshafer11 on January 4, 2016 at 11:17 am
Thank you Tom for putting life and it’s myriad problems in perspective. I am humbled by your resilience and positive outlook. I hope that your devotional will help me to always remember that in spite of difficulties, I am safe and secure, and my faith in Jesus provides life and hope. May God bless you and those close to you as you press on through this uncharted territory.. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 5:16 pm
Thanks so much, Gary. It’s a blessing to rest in our loving, all-knowing God’s hands.
jim spillane on January 4, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Tom – your demonstration of faith and your positive attitude is an inspiration to me, and I thank you for that. The apostle Paul teaches us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” So just as our Lord went about the towns and villages “healing every sickness and every disease among the people” in the past, He can do the same today. So my prayer for you comes from the prophet Jeremiah who said, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.” 17:14. “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds (diseases), says the Lord.” Jeremiah 30:17a. Our Heavenly Father is certainly a loving and amazing God. Be blessed.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Jim, your words and those from the Word are a true blessing. Thanks, brother. Yes, Jesus is the same today and forever!
Mike Wittmer on January 4, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Praise God for Jesus, who came to give us hope for such times as this. You can tell a man’s faith when it’s all on the line, and you, Tom, are the real deal. Thank you for modeling gritty faith in the midst of fear.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 5:19 pm
Mike, I so appreciate your heart for and commitment to our Lord. He provides the faith and all that we need!
lajacob1313 on January 4, 2016 at 4:20 pm
Tom: sorry to hear that you are so sick but it’s such an excitement to know your faith in Christ has been so strong.
Dear Lord, may you carry Tom through all the storms of life, your comfort and peace be with your beloved son in this time of need. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Tom Felten on January 4, 2016 at 5:20 pm
lajacob1313, thank you for your beautiful prayer. God is so good!
jennifer benson schuldt on January 4, 2016 at 6:06 pm
Hi Tom,
I didn’t know that the lymphoma had returned. Thank you for the eternal perspective that you gave us in this devotional. I can see that Jesus is alive in you! May He give you the abiding peace that the world can’t give. Praying for you!
Jen
Tom Felten on January 5, 2016 at 7:23 am
Thanks, Jen! What a gift it is to have brothers and sisters in Jesus who walk with you through all the days of life.
daughterdeb on January 5, 2016 at 1:58 am
After reading your devotional and making notes in my journal about “the undefeatable combination of trust and the Holy Spirit” I Googled the word because my spelling seemed off. Turns out it’s not even a word and Mirriam Webster wanted to know what made me look it up. Uh, it just popped in my head as fitting. The site suggested unconquerable or invincible. I praise God you know this and are helping others to see this truth as well. Thank you for all you have done for His kingdom. And the territory is uncharted for you, yes, but not for Him. He is by your side. And in front of and behind you. Maybe undefeatable should be a word as He certainly has defeated death. Praying for you and your family.
Tom Felten on January 5, 2016 at 7:30 am
Thanks so much, Deb. I love that phrase … “the undefeatable combination of trust and the Holy Spirit.” God, by His Spirit, truly empowers our faith and gives us the peace that transcends all understanding. Praise Him!
Winn Collier on January 7, 2016 at 4:28 pm
Tom, I’m prayerful for you today, asking for God’s mercy again. And I am moved by your restfulness that your life is secure in God. Thank you.