Even Now

Hello,
Mom was diagnosed with inoperable Stage 3A lung cancer on March 13, 2008, a date I will always remember. Those were dark days, and we survived on prayer. After chemo and radiation treatments, the cancer is in remission for five months. We know there is a long way to go.

In the midst of the fear and dread, we discovered a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon, "Even Now," based on John 11:22. This is during the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the tomb. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, goes to meet Jesus when he finally arrives after her brother has been dead for days. Still, Martha can tell Jesus, "even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." We all know what happened next; at the command of Jesus, Lazarus rose from the dead.

So, whenever mom or I became anxious or afraid during the treatments, we would look at each other and say, "Even Now." We still say that on the way to the scans, and then after a long week afterwards, while we wait for the doctor to come and tell us the results.

I don't know what is causing you to suffer now. It could be cancer, depression, years of addictions, the loss of a loved one, or just a fear of what is happening to our country and the world. But I will promise you this, if you go to Jesus and ask him to help you, help will come. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but the Son of God, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, will find a way to touch you and give you a hope.

I wrote some lyrics about our experience, and my friend Gustavo, a Hispanic worship minister, composed the music and performed the song. We made a music video and you can watch the 4 minute message of hope, love and peace by visiting this website:

http://secc.lightcastmedia.com/console.php?u=3048&c=1996596044

The audio of the song and lyrics are posted here in the Expressions Audio Gallery.

There is much, much power in prayer. I can tell you many specific instances of specific answers to prayer offered through the precious blood of Jesus. Prayer moves the arm that moves the universe. We are never so close to omnipotence as when we pray in the name of Jesus. In Luke 18:1 Christ says to pray and never quit--pray when the answer is long in coming, pray in the dark night of your soul, pray when you are fighting the addictions, pray when you are at the end of your rope. Our extremity is God's opportunity.

Read the story of Lazarus in John, and then believe, "Even Now."

I have prayed for you.

Dewayne
www.crossandflagproductions.com