“Our Armor” - Faith, Hope, and Courage

In April of 2006 I was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma which is a very rare form of cancer. Since it is so rare, very little is known about its causes and its cures. There are only a few renowned sarcoma centers in the country where the most up-to-date treatment protocols are developed, tested, and implemented, one of which is the Sarcoma Center of M.D. Anderson Medical Center in Houston, Texas. During the summer of 2006, once I recovered from surgery to remove the primary tumor, we traveled twice to M.D. Anderson to be evaluated (poked, prodded, pinched, stuck, scanned, etc.) and learn what the best course of treatment might be for me. The objective of the trips was to learn the radiation therapy and the chemotherapy protocol that M.D. Anderson recommended to be the best choice for me and then have my local Radiation and Medical Oncologists follow that protocol. We accomplished our mission and during the following eight months completed the therapies.

To say the least the trip to Houston was, well, interesting. My sister-in-law accompanied my wife and me on the trips (she’s a physician herself so has been a great source of information and support to us. Thanks MK.) and in many ways the time we spent in Houston was sort of like a vacation. Yes, a lot of anxiety, stress, tears, and unanswered questions, but also a lot of fun, laughter, quiet times, and good food. Looking back on it now it was a welcome reprieve from the initial shock of discovering that I had cancer and the recovery from surgery. Basically, we needed the break.

As you might expect there is a gift shop at M.D. Anderson and, as you also might expect, the two women with me spent a lot of time in it sort of browsing around and touching stuff (it’s a gender thing). As they plundered around the shop Patty found some interesting jewelry. They are three flat rings, each with a word inscribed on them. One says “Faith”, one says “Hope”, and one says “Courage”. We each snatched up a set for ourselves. Patty daily wears her set on a chain around her neck. My set is on my key ring so it is always with me in my pocket. Patty calls these rings her armor and you know, I think “armor” is the best possible name for these rings.

Faith

We have unshakable faith in God. Because of our faith in God we are able to free ourselves of the burden of wondering whether or not we will be able to endure the trials thrust upon us. We know God is guiding us through this journey, we trust Him, so will follow Him where he leads us.

Hebrews 11:1, 6 -- Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.) And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 -- No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Hebrews 10:36 -- For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

Romans 1:16-17 -- For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith.’*

Hope

Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen." This is not what the Bible means by hope. The Biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown. Hope is a fundamental component of the life of the righteous. (This paragraph was copied from the Internet.)

Our hope (expectation) is that God will continue to guide us through this journey toward doing the work that he wants us to do in order to profit His Kingdom. We trust God and will follow him wherever He leads us. He has commanded me to endure and let my light shine and, with God’s help, I will do just that.

Romans 5:3-5 -- And not only that, but we* also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..

Romans 8:24-25 -- For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Galatians 5:5 – But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.

Courage

With our faith in God we have hope that He is leading us toward doing His work and, as a result, we have the courage to endure and push forward. A little anxious about where this journey will take us and yes, admittedly a bit frightened. But we have the courage to overcome our fears.

Joshua 1:9 -- 'I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

Deuteronomy 31:6 -- Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.’

1 Chronicles 28:20 -- ‘Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.

Isaiah 41:10 -- do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

1 Corinthians 16:13 -- Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.

Ephesians 6:10-17 -- Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.


We wear our armor as a constant reminder to us that God is guiding us toward His end and we will courageously follow Him wherever He wants us to go.

Lord, You are a mighty God and through you all things are possible. We thank you for providing us with our faith, hope, and courage to follow you as you guide us through this journey.


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