Welcome to "Hope Does Not Disappoint"


There are two key reasons I have finally decided to join the world of blogging:

First, my cancer has become active and there is a loving congregation and many family & friends who want to keep track of what is taking place. This provides a way for me to update them as often and with as much detail as they desire.

Second, the Lord often links Scripture with circumstances in life for a much more potent 1 - 2 punch. I have already found that to be true and I hope to share some of those lessons for those who are interested.

So almost every entry in this blog will have two parts to it: Body (what's happening physically with the treatments) and Spirit (what God is sharing as I open His Word).

Thanks for visiting. I hope some of the "Points Along The Road" in my journey are helpful and encouraging to you.

Dave



Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Continuing to "Press On"

Thanks to so many who have been praying for me and my family today. It has been so encouraging to receive texts, emails, Facebook wall posts, etc. indicating that you have been standing with us in prayer. We continue to be grateful and in need of that prayer support.

Body: Today was the PET scan and blood test to see what progress I've been making in this cancer battle. The blood levels have risen slowly...nothing great, but slowly (I am definitely a "slow student"). The levels also explain why I still struggle with much exertion, climbing stairs, etc. The PET scan showed that the cancer is growing again. It is significantly larger than it was at the last PET scan, but a little smaller than it was two PET scans ago, when it really flared. It is definitely resistant to chemo and is determined to make life challenging. The good news is that it continues to be localized in my chest.

Radiation therapy will begin as soon as possible to contain it and remove it. I have an appointment for Tuesday with the radiologist and the process will begin. Also, I was told I'll get a "good dose" of radiation...meaning that it will be 4 - 5 weeks of daily treatment (5 days a week).

Certainly this isn't the news we were hoping for, but we are confident of the Lord's wisdom, love and purpose for our family in this process. To Him be the glory!

Spirit: "Great Peace" Psalm 119:165
Doesn't that sound good? Great Peace!! Not just peace, shalom, wholeness and rightness in every area of life, but GREAT peace. The picture in my mind is one of absolute stability, no matter what. This is an unflappable person -- no matter what comes their way. This is a person with awareness, perspective, confidence and a hopeful outlook. As the verse points out, "...nothing can make them stumble." That's stability!!

How do you get these things in a life? Are you born with it; is it a function of controlling circumstances; is it a matter of having deep pockets (lots of money) or right friends (in high places)? None of these can assure a person of great peace...or even peace! But what these things can't assure, God's Word can.

How can a book do that? It is Who wrote the book -- the All-Powerful, All-Knowing, Always Present, Creator God. It is what the book contains -- only that which is truthful, reliable and trustworthy. And, it is how that truth, applied to a life, changes a man and focuses his heart. The result: GREAT Peace!

I have proven to myself again this week that I have a long way to go in letting that Word of God change me so great peace controls me. There are so many ways I get tripped up. When I think I have one area mastered, another blind spot surfaces. What is really frustrating is repeat courses. "I already took that course!" But it is back and I blew it...time to repeat the course. Praise God for His forgiveness and that the offer of great peace is never taken off the table.

"Lord, I want the rest of my days to be days of great peace. May Your Word do its work and may I willingly submit to it and You."
Posted by Dave McIntyre at 3:05 PM

3 comments:

  1. Elvia Chalmers/Dickerson-SummielOctober 6, 2010 at 12:47 PM

    Dave,

    You reminded me at your last post of something God shared with me some 30+ years ago. Philippians 3: 12-14. The song "Press On" was so encouraging and beautiful. It reached deep recesses in my mind and in my spirit. The answer to "peace' in my life has been the "press". No automatic ongoing peace, but the "press". I praise God for you and your "press" even with moments of diminishing strength, "the press" ! ! We have not already attained but we are pressing ........ love you so... much, Bill and I continue the prayer watch.

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  2. UnknownOctober 6, 2010 at 1:32 PM

    I've been reading these for the past few months and just wanted to say its one of the best blogs I follow. Not only do I get the updates on your health, but the 'spirit' portions really are encouraging and helpful. You make it easy for anyone to relate to what you are saying no matter what their circumstance, and speak into our lives through your honest assessment of your own experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Thanks for the encouragement, even thousands of miles away. Praying for you!

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  3. UnknownOctober 6, 2010 at 4:20 PM

    When we first got Tom's diagnosis of a brain tumor in 1984, we both felt filled with God's "peace that passes understanding". Instantly. This is something one cannot manufacture or wish into existence. It has never left me. That does not mean I am not frustrated or "down" at any time, but His peace remains. I know I am totally in His hands. Nothing that happens to me is a surprise to God. I know this 5 weeks of daily radiation treatments will be frustrating. We had to go into NYC every day for his. But it did contain his cancer for 8 years. I pray that your treatments will be at least as successful. Like so many others, I love you and Andrea and will continue in prayer for you both. And the girls.

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