Dec 10
9
Preach It!
Hello!
It’s been a while since I had a chance to say hi, but trust me, that’s a very good thing. I actually have good reason for not updating my blog – I’m busy…with WORK!
I love preaching and honestly, I missed it. Prior to being admitted in the hospital, I was in such pain and discomfort that it was tough trying to prepare my sermons, let alone, deliver them, so it’s been quite some time since I’ve stood at the pulpit. And again, I missed it, A LOT! While spending so much time in the hospital bed and in my own bed, there wasn’t much I could do, but think. And there were many times were my mind was flooded with thoughts about being able to go back to church and speak in front of the congregation. Every Sunday, I would lie in bed and wonder what was going in church at that very moment: Who was there? What songs were they singing? What was the sermon about? Thankfully, many of my friends began to videotape the services for me and post it on the Internet so that I could watch at home, but even with that wonderful gesture, my heart still ached to be there myself.
I praise God for the amazing opportunity to be able to serve Him by preaching on Sundays. My wife and I had started going to church a few Sundays ago, but since I was still building my stamina, I wasn’t ready to give a sermon. I hadn’t begun to get myself back into my routine just yet and I wanted to slowly incorporate myself back to the daily happenings of the church, which meant having to wait a few more weeks before I actually stepped up to preach. And then the time came…
I remember the first Sunday that I was going to start preaching again, November 14, 2010 – 5 months since I was first admitted to Fox Chase Cancer Center. And, man, I was nervous! It was as if that Sunday would be my first time ever preaching in front of a crowd. I had butterflies in my stomach the entire week; the night before, I barely slept. I kept tossing and turning; my thoughts, my excitement kept me awake. I finally had fallen asleep, but because I was so nervous and excited, I opened my eyes as soon as the sun shone through the curtains; today was the day.
I took a shower and afterwards, for the first time in 5 months, I stood in my closet with an incredible dilemma, “What am I going to wear?” I wanted to look my best and of course, I wanted to pick a great tie that would proclaim: “I’m back!” Then my wife told me what to wear and that was that. 
During the entire Sunday service, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but at the same time, God had given me peace; He was with me and would be there no matter what happened. Finally, it was time for me to speak.
I stood behind the pulpit and felt amazing. Actually, the feeling was more than amazing, it’s indescribable. It had been such a long and difficult journey that to be back behind the pulpit was incredible. Before beginning my sermon, I asked everyone to bow their heads with me as I prayed. And as I was praying, I had to fight back the tears as I began to think about all God had brought me through and to where I was at that moment. What as amazing God we serve.
My first few minutes of preaching were a little off and I could feel the rust in my voice, but as I continued I could feel the Holy Spirit taking over and I allowed myself to just follow in His lead. Afterwards, when it was all said and done, I had a big smile on my face and in my heart.
Things are better and I’m slowly getting back to what life was like before I was sick. I feel great; my stamina and strength have been steadily increasing. I’m back at the gym and feeling like my normal self again. I’m not a 100% yet, but I’m getting stronger everyday. By God’s grace, I’m continuingly making great progress. I continue to have tests and scans completed, and all of the results are extremely positive. I continue to meet with my doctors who are always amazed at the improvements I’m making everyday.
It’s an incredible miracle and a great blessing to wake up every morning and have another chance to use the talents and gifts God has equipped me with for His glory, especially considering what a crazy journey this year has been.
Thank you God.
But seriously, Just your presence in the church was a great thing. I know the joy that flooded every heart when you came up to the front the first Sunday you and Sherry came back. We were seeing a walking testimony (times two)….and we got to see our friend coming back to where he’s meant to be.