This is a testimony written by Pastor Reggor Galarpe (Gethsemane BPC, Cebu, the Philippines), following the completion of his fifth chemotherapy session. Let us continue to uphold him, his family, and the congregation in Cebu in our prayers, that they may grow stronger in faith, love, and steadfast devotion to God even in the midst of their unique trials. – Pastor Koshy
As many of you know, I went for my 5th session of chemotherapy this week. It was originally scheduled last week, but was postponed as we were not able to secure a slot for the PET Scan that my oncologist ordered, to assess the progress of my treatment before proceeding with my next session.
I was supposed to undergo the procedure at least a week before October 28 (the date for my 5th session), but with so many patients (some coming from other cities and provinces), I got booked only on the 27th. Prior to my PET Scan, I have to go for a series of lab tests (Executive Panel – C) and thereafter, secure a clearance from the cardiologist for me to proceed with the treatment.
Last Monday, we had our appointment with the oncologist who was expecting that we have with us the scan result. But because the procedure was done towards the weekend, the staff could not assure us that it would be released before Monday. Just the same, we went ahead to see the doctor. And while we were at the clinic, we received a message that the result was ready for collection. Carol quickly rushed towards the PET Scan Department to pick it up, just in time when it was our turn to go in to see the doctor (no doubt it was God’s timing!).
We handed over the scan result, anxious to hear what the doctor would say. There was brief silence as she glanced through, then gladly burst out saying that it showed a remarkable improvement! She was so excited to explain, comparing the recent result with the previous one (printed alongside) that showed the location of the lesions and mass which are no longer visible in the recent scan result. Praise God!
Five sessions done, three more to go! We just have to take it one at a time, trusting in God’s mercy and grace to sustain us. As Preacher Edsel would say, “Doctor treats, God heals!”
As we (my family) go through this very difficult period of our life, we continue to look up to the Lord and in His Word for comfort and strength. Thanks be unto God that instead of asking why these things happen, we realised that it’s better for us to keep on trusting; instead of wondering like the psalmist (in his momentarily dejected state): “Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?” (Ps. 77:9), we chose to yield our all to the sovereign will of God, believing that His grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). Truly, no matter what happens, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
I thank the Lord for His provision through the loving support and prayers of the church – Gethsemane BPC, Singapore, our mission churches, as well as like-minded churches and brethren from both near and far.
Also, I thank the Lord for all your prayers, support and encouragement; those acts of kindness and love, going the extra mile, filling in the gap, and just being there for the work of the ministry. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
Let us all rejoice in the Lord’s goodness in our lives!
Prabhudas Koshy
James 1:14 warns us, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
When we face temptation, we often point to the devil, the world, or the influence of others. Yet Scripture reminds us that there is a more subtle and dangerous source of temptation which lies within our own hearts. James teaches that a person is tempted when “he is drawn away of his own lust”.
The word “lust” (epithumía) refers to a strong and sinful desire, what the Bible also calls “concupiscence”. The New Testament describes these desires as “evil concupiscence” (Colossians 3:5), “deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22), “foolish and hurtful lusts” (1 Timothy 6:9), “youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22), “worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12), “fleshly lusts” (1 Peter 2:11), “ungodly lusts” (Jude 1:18), etc. Hence, “lust” represents the corrupt inclinations of the human heart.
James further shows how lust works. The word “drawn away” pictures someone dragged out by force, while “enticed” speaks of being lured by bait into a trap. Lust deceives, dulls the conscience, and draws us into sin, like a fish biting a hook hidden beneath an attractive bait.
Therefore, we must be watchful, not only against outward temptations, but against the desires within that make us vulnerable to them. Many temptations are self-inflicted perils that arise from unchecked cravings. Peter gives this earnest exhortation: “Dearly beloved… abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
May the Lord help us to guard our hearts diligently, and flee the sinful desires that lead us into temptation.
