The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob...and of Seth and Leslie

Today I sat and talked with my good friend Andy. During our conversation, he said something to the effect of this line, that God is the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob...and of Seth and Leslie. This struck me. It is powerful, covenantal language. We talked about how in Scripture we are reminded that our God is the same God of these men. But how did Abraham feel? Jacob had the promise, but Esau had all the external blessings of strength and physical benefit. I needed to be reminded of this truth. Each of these men certainly had some trying periods in their lives, where they had to wait long periods of time to see God's faithfulness. God wasn't incapable during these times. No doubt, He was at work. But I'd bet these guys had to wonder at times, when God would fulfill His promises to them.

Andy and I talked about being in holding patterns in life. I've certainly felt that way for some time. And yet I am reminded that God is faithfully working to conform us to the image of His Son. I've struggled with my own personal worth, with my jobs, finishing seminary, providing for my family, etc... Yet all of these pale in comparison to the waiting I am struggling with right now as I see Leslie struggle with cancer, and the ongoing treatments. Tomorrow she is to begin round two of chemotherapy. She seems so frail physically, and I hurt to know that there are dark clouds in front of her with this next treatment. But just as God was faithful to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so He is faithful to us. I don't know what that will look like exactly. I know what I want it to look like. I want Leslie to be restored physically. But just as these men were promised many physical things, the fulfillment of the promises were and are spiritual (even though there was temporal physical fulfillment; that was certainly not the extent of it). Abraham certainly had a large family, but we know ourselves to be sons of "Father Abraham." As children of God we are the beneficiaries of the promises of a Land and an inheritance to come. It is beyond what we can see with our eyes. I am so thankful for that. The physical restoration I want for Leslie would only be temporary (but I, of course, still want it). Yet I know there will come a day when real restoration will be a reality for all of us that belong to Him. And so my hope and trust is in Him, to do as He sees fit. And if that means ongoing treatments and suffering for Leslie, my hope will not fail, because ultimately my hope extends beyond this life and this world.

This evening Leslie's sister, Dana, came into town to take her to chemo tomorrow. I am so thankful for this as I have nearly exhausted my time off work. The doctors, and those who have gone through similar treatment, have said that the fatigue and any sickness will come a few days after the infusion. She will spend about four hours tomorrow receiving the chemo intravenously. She will then wear a pump home and return on Thursday to have the pump removed. This regiment will repeat every other week for the next six months.

There are many who continue to minister to us. Several folks at work continue to provide meals. Kristin has been helping with the kids. My neighbor keeps cutting the grass. Christ is sustaining us. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our God. He is faithful!