I got even better news then last week -- when I was told that I did not have cancer - Praise the Lord. I met with a wonderful (and very too the point) Pulminary specialist Dr. Eshelmann yesterday. He was an interesting character. 67 yrs old - 40 years in pulminary work - former Air Force Surgeon inn Viet Nam..... He was a "Sarcoids Specialist." He has been following the disease for 40 years. Basically he affirmed what the internet told me - not sure where it comes from, it has been in you for a long time, decided to show itself now, could and most likely can have a spontaneous remission." All in all he said i was in the 45% where by I got it and it will go away. I DO NOT have to take steroids because it is not a major concern. I have to go and see an opthamologist -- yup an eye doctor. Crazy thing is that sarcoids affects the eyes usually after the lungs - weird huh? And I wants me to see an allergist and narrow down the fact that allergies set the thing off.
So why did I get this??? The doctors have no clue -- but i do....or at least i beleiev i know why God allowed this in my life.
1) God did not want me to go to Asia. Either he was protecting me from something; or he wanted Young and Brue to face it alone or the pollution would have really affected me. the fact is I am convinced God did not want me to travel there.
2) Right when I would have been away, discussions and negotiations with a church in Quarryvillle heated up with the net result in that this church is voting to merge with us and it will now give us a facility to operate our new church plant from -- what a blessing. Pray for the church as they vote this month about this merge.
3) Just as I was going through this trial I started preaching on James and the whole idea of trials and tests from the Lord. It gave me the opportunity to live out how you are suppose to respond when adversity comes your way!
Best case scenario is that the sarcoids will just go away. Netter case scenario -- the lessons and illustrations it has served in my life will be with me forever!