For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Sandra Purselley
The words of John Piper might be helpful. As a cancer survivor myself - I found this to comfort me, point me in the right direction and help others just after I was diagnosed.
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/dont-waste-your-cancer
I hope it helps you.
James Kraft
The bible does say that if one honors their parents they will live long on the earth. I dishonored my parents when I was young, but later was able to honor them when they lost everything they had and came to live with me and my family.
Four years ago I had a fatal heart attack. (sudden death cardiac arrest) from a bad heart valve since birth. But, the Lord prepared a doctor to be there and give me CPR for 15 minutes until the EMT's arrived and got my heart started again.
While in the hospital waiting for surgery, I was at perfect peace and did not care if I stayed or went to be with the Lord. The Lord reminded me that athough I had dishonored my parents early on that I later honored them and I came through surgery with an almost perfect heart and it was done in such a way that I do not have to be on blood thinners or any other medication.
All I can say is our God is an awsome God, and I cannot understand His ways. We deserve nothing from the Lord. I do not know why He kept me here, that is known only to HIm. At one point I felt cheated, I was ready to get out of this sinful world and go to meet my savior face to face.
But, at the same time I was thankful for Him keeping me here to take care of my beloved wife of 56 years now. Many things have happened over the last four years that it would have been very hard for her to handle alone.
Am I perfect? No, I am a sinner before a Holy God just like everyone else. But Jesus came to save sinners. I can only thank Him every day for His grace and mercy toward this weak and beggerly sinner. In our weakness He is made strong. Jesus is our righteousness. While we were yet sinners Christ died for the ungodly. That is all of us. His grace and mercy are never ending toward those that put their trust in Him. Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.
Put your trust in the Lord, lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. A promise from the Lord.