Just Believe — Strength
On Jan. 3, 2024, my wife Sherrie received a diagnosis that turned our reality upside down and changed our lives forever. She was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and the news was devastating and incredibly difficult to process. We now face a testing journey of love, resilience, and faith in ways we never imagined.
Many have asked how we cope with such a dreadful experience, and the answer is simple: strength. This strength comes from our belief in God, who is forever strong and gives us the courage to face any challenge. We believe in the Mighty God (El Gibbor, Isaiah 9:2-7), who is strong yesterday, today, and forever. Like Sherrie and me, this strength is available to anyone who “Just Believes!”
As I write these words, my wife is going into her sixth week of intense chemo and radiation treatments. Physically,
she can only handle going to the cancer center and then returning to bed. She’s frail and, at times, incoherent. However, when she has the physical strength to talk, her words are encouraging, cheerful, and concerned about others. As most know, when she posts on social media platforms, her posts are always full of grace, truth, and gratitude in all circumstances and situations and for all people (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Her strength is impressive and puts life into perspective through God’s strength.
In the Christian faith, God’s mighty strength,
His divine energy, works through Jesus and His rule in a person like Sherrie, giving profound wisdom and strength in any circumstances. When people receive Jesus, find themselves in God, and build the truth of who they are, God gives them the strength to handle or do all things, even in the face of disaster. Jesus, the promised one in Isaiah 9:6 and throughout history, gives this mighty courage and strength to face anything. If you don’t believe it, then explain how my wife is truly the picture of strength in the face of death! It’s a strength that surpasses all understanding and is meant for everyone.
As one reads the Bible, it becomes evident that influential individuals, such as Sherrie, are mentioned frequently. Peter, Paul and Mary (sorry, I can’t help myself — my wife loves that type of music) and other strong heroes reflect the bravery, courage, and action necessary to live a strong and victorious life. The question now is, how can we receive such strength?
First, examine your view of the world. Is it good or bad? If it’s wrong, then “repent” and see it as good (Genesis 1:31, John 3:16) and genuinely receive the worldview of Jesus. Allow Him, through His attitude (Matthew 5:3-12), wisdom (Proverbs), and choices (Galatians 5:1), to guide you to the promised land.
From there, begin to rebuild yourself, do good, and show others how to do the same. Remember Mark Twain’s words: “To be good is noble, but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.”
Despite Sherrie’s inexplicable diagnosis, we firmly believe that it is only the beginning of a profound and good life with the mighty strength of God. Whatever challenge lies ahead, it is merely a passageway to a full and great reality that lasts forever. This truth is possible because we believe in Jesus, the Mighty God who is always with us. So my question is, will you take action and have the strength to do the same and “Just Believe!”
With joy and compassion,
Drake Hunter is the
Senior Pastor at Elevating Life Church in Fort Morgan and the author of “Wonderfully Weird Living.”