I would like to introduce Victor, as our special guest, on how to respond to some very relevant questions around the topic of Illness, Healing and Faith in God.
I have known Victor and his family for many years when we attended the same church and other social activities together. It has been a joy to see how Victor and his wife and family, that consists of five children and four grandchildren, have grown and matured in church life and within community.
Also I have observed how Victor has been diligent and successful in his professional work and church life and his recent interest in road running to enhance and maintain his physical fitness.
So in a few words Victor can you tell us how you came to faith in Jesus and how did that affect your working life?
I became a (born again) Christian after the Civil War in Nigeria in 1970. I was 15 years old and from a religious family which made me assume that I was already a Christian. However, a classmate friend invited me to a Scripture Union meeting to hear the real gospel for the first time and I responded in faith and accepted Jesus as my Saviour and Lord.
Thank you pixabay.com 19eli14
My life didn’t change very much in my schooling, as I was generally a ‘good boy’ that avoided trouble at all cost. However, my inner purpose and motivation did change to serve the Lord my Saviour.
In my working life I trained as a Civil Engineer and worked for Manchester City Council for over thirty years covering the Greater Manchester region. I recently retired to concentrate and enjoy family life and lots of personal times of running. I sought to apply my faith and witness to the Lord in everything I did and to love and support all my working colleagues and clients over many years.
Recently you have been diagnosed with a particular illness. How did you respond to that news?
Surprisingly, I responded calmly to the diagnoses of early but aggressive prostate cancer. I didn’t see it as a death sentence (even though my brother had not survive the same disease). I trusted God for whatever outcome (hopefully survival). Notwithstanding, I made a partial arrangement for a worst case outcome.
Prostrate Cancer Uk Thank you hat trick design
Can you share with the readers how your treatment and healing took place and was that hard or easy for you?
After prayerful and medical consultation, I opted for surgery to have a full prostatectomy that removes the prostrate completely. I received amazing care from my local General Practice and very specialized treatment and care from our local and world renowned Christie’s hospital.
I was very calm about the whole procedure and chatted with the medical team all the way. I recovered fairly quickly but (as advised) waited a few more weeks before resuming my daily jogging routine.
Finally, is there any particular advice and wisdom that you want to share when we face illness, how to trust God for healing and maintain our faith in God?
My advice has always been that we all have a responsibility/stewardship to maintain our God-given earthly vehicle (body) in good condition. That can be through regular health checks, balanced diet and exercise. This will help us not only to be the Lord’s faithful and active ambassadors, but also enjoy quality lives in this side of eternity. Having done our part conscientiously, we leave the rest in God’s hands.
Takeaway
Thank you Victor for those very personal and heartfelt answers to some very challenging questions. Various illness are a fact of life since the fall of humankind in the book of Genesis. There are lots of different types of cancer: some that are curable after specific treatment and recuperation and sadly many come upon us very quickly and aggressively and can end up being terminal.
Victor mentioned that he approached his diagnosis in a calm and trustful manner. That contrasts sharply to many life situations that happen in an unexpected manner. We may find in the first instance that we express deep anger and confusion before the Lord and find it hard to fully trust him for any good outcome.
Throughout the world there are those of no faith, different faiths and those who call themselves “Cultural Christians” Then there are those who live their lives as “Religious Christians” and lastly as Victor gives testimony to being a “Transformed Christians” that are full of love for Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit of God for service and witness.
For many men prostate cancer can creep up unawares, as it does not necessarily reveal itself in obvious ways. Therefore, it is important to have regular check-ups particularly if there is any family history so that it is detected earlier rather than later. As Victor said, it is part of our responsibility to care for and honour our mortal bodies so that we live our lives the best we can, rather than let them become ill by self-neglect.
So thank you Victor for sharing how in the calm of your illness you were able to get first class treatment. Also how you have experienced specific healing and comfort from the specialized care from the National Health Service and a measure of divine healing and health from the Lord.
- So may each one of us not neglect wilfully or by default the care of our sanctified bodies, minds and spirits?
- May we accept and welcome both medical and spiritual healing, where appropriate, trusting in God Almighty to carry us through whatever outcomes emerge.
Below is a happy and recent photo of Victor and myself having a random meeting along the Bridgewater Canal near Manchester United’s ground. We were both enjoying our own individual runs in the opposite direction.
This meeting triggered the questions I posed to him for the encouragement of us all. Whatever illnesses we face it is vital to apply deep faith in God and trust the medical experts for our future healing and wellbeing.
“I am the Lord who heals you” Exodus 15: 26
“Hallelujah”
Selah: (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read) and check out A Time to Worship with Motivational Moments
Graham
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