We have all agreed that Jesus is a free gift from God to all who believe, but that the Bible also clearly teaches us that there is a cost to follow Jesus. We have discussed the joy of taking up our “cross” and following Jesus, and the responsibility we each have to own our God-given part of the work prepared for us before we were born.

This third lesson is on the sovereignty of God. This brings great comfort to my soul, for it is here that we can trust in a loving Abba Father to do what is best for us and what will bring Him the greatest glory.

I know we have all tried life on our own terms, and the results have been disastrous. I remember when the Lord told us to sell our alarm business and surrender to the ministry. It didn’t make sense in our minds but it was clearly the work of God. He has been ordering our steps ever since as we seek to know Him more and listen to His voice.

We never thought our obedience to His plan would lead us to serve at Prestonwood with such a great staff and people. We never dreamed that out of this wonderful relationship with Him, He would give us such a wonderful family. We are overwhelmed with joy that our amazing God could take a mixed-up and messed-up businessman and eventually lead him to a relationship with a welfare mom . . . and that it would change both lives forever.

We cannot believe that our great God has allowed us the joy of establishing H.I.S. BridgeBuilders, a ministry that now thrives in seven cities locally and globally. It is clearly a movement of God, and we are humbled to be a part of His plan for His Glory.

We are grateful that the Lord orders the steps of the righteous. We also rest in the knowledge that this righteousness is not based on our ability, but credited to us based on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Our deeds are no better than filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), for we live in continual need of a Savior whose name is Jesus. We do not deserve this life of abundance or the tremendous peace that comes from resting in the arms of our loving Father as we face various trials.

Nowhere in my plan did stage IV lung cancer exist. Even so, it has been part of my life for these past 37 months. But I never would have cared for the sick the way that I do now, and I never would have begun Chemo Church had God not shown me the tremendous need of these dear people whom He loves so greatly. He has opened my heart to the people of Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood, and is working in such magnificent ways to lead people to support H.I.S. BridgeBuilders, as well as the formation of Restoration Community Church.

This all clearly points us to the fact that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I want to live the rest of my life and ministry under the sovereign rule of Christ and no other. Our journey of faith, which now includes cancer, has taught us to move only at the leading of the Lord regardless of what men may say.

We seek godly counsel and sound advice; we search the Word of God and remain steadfast in prayer. Ultimately, however, it is this same God who has led us to do these crazy ridiculous things in life who has also brought such blessing and joy to our lives. We will not stop seeking and trusting our God now in this season, as He is “good all the time.”

The reports from MD Anderson are that there is a 3.7 centimeter tumor on my cerebellum and a small mass on my upper left front lobe. Doctors are recommending surgery on the rear mass and follow up with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery on the front mass. We are still seeking the Lord’s leading, but we have scheduled this procedure for the 13th of August, if this is the way the Lord leads.

We are trusting in the reign of Christ now and forever. Our prayer is that, as Christians, we will all know that the rule of Christ is the best plan for all of us. No matter how ridiculous His request may seem—He is Love, He is Good, He is Right; He knows what is best . . . His kingdom First (Matthew 6:33!) We are believing our great God for His healing . . . for His glory . . . and for our good!

Thank you for your prayers. And thank you for continuing to walk with us and the movement of God called H.I.S. BridgeBuilders!