I’ve received a few words that seem to imply that just a little more faith on my part would heal Steve. As if I haven’t prayed hard enough, or wept enough, or believed God enough.
May I be blunt? The faith God gave me is in His character, not in whether or not He chooses to answer my prayers. Our comfort is NOT His greatest desire. His glory, His world-wide renown is His greatest desire. Worshiping Him is for my greatest good. And, only He knows what circumstances will best bring about genuine worship.
And let’s not forget that the greatest miracle has already been accomplished. A Holy, Perfect God provided a way for sinful mankind to come to Him, and spend forever worshipping Him.
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Steve's Journey Through Cancer. May God use it for His glory.
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About Me
- Steve Warren
- Just a servant of the Lord, relying on His grace to be obedient. Husband of Sheri, father of Charlie (17) and Andy (12).
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
II Corinthians 4: 16-18
II Corinthians 4: 16-18
44 comments:
Sheri,
I am sorry to hear that some have used your pain and suffering as a platform for their personal spiritual arrogance. YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT - our faith is in God's character, not his choice of action. You guys are showing amazing faith in the middle of this...a testimony to God's prevailing grace in your life. Keep trusting in him, regardless of his perfect answer to your prayers. I will continue to pray for you!
In Christ,
Ryan Allred
Amen!! I think we all struggle with the appropriate words to say in situations like this and sometimes say dumb things in an effort to encourage. I am so sorry that others would choose words that aren't uplifting.
When Ben was battling his cancer, we were amazed at what some people could say. Through my health struggles now, we are amazed at what some will say. However, through God's strength (again, nothing of your own faith, strength, etc.) we have to choose to hear the hearts of those that are encouraged in the Lord and pray for those that are missing HIS big picture here.
Your faith, strength, etc., amaze so many of us as we watch you walk this road. However, God is still God without any of us. Please don't allow others' misunderstanding of the Word and God be a discouragement or burden to you.
Keep your focus of lovin' on Steve, as you've already done, and know that we are praying for y'all!!
Sheri,
I was think about his the other day...it seems to me that it takes less faith to believe that God can heal Steve than it takes to trust that He will redeem the situation and glorify Himself through it.
In my humble view, you and Steve have shown the much greater faith...the faith that trusts completely in God's sovereignty and His faithfulness.
Your faith has not twisted Scriptures into promises of no physical pain and the removal of trials... Instead, your faith has proved out the command to count it pure joy when you encounter trials....now to me, that is real faith...the kind that moves the mountain of our man-centered thinking.
In your weakness....He is made strong....
You are loved, and being prayed for. You are a beautiful example of God's grace.
Peace.
WES HARTLEY
Unfortunately, God created IDIOTS along with good people. What you have shown me throughput this is that throughout all the stress, pain, confusion, hope, loss of hope when one procedure doesn't work, carrying the world on your shoulders through uncharted waters for you, your strength, faith and love astound me! I would have folded long ago! You have all my love, respect and admiration, little niece!!! You keep doing what you are doing. God will deal with the IDIOTS! I must admit, I wish I knew who they are just in case God is busy helping someone else. I'd love to show them what kind of faith they will need to just walk around after I finish with them!
I love you guys!
Tio Kay
Sheri,
I'm sorry for the hurtful comments that some people make. Sometimes people just say things when they should just be quiet. I pray that you will continue to listen to the Voice of Truth. He will never lie to you. Your faith is pure and richer than what most of us will ever attain. Our prayers continue.
Dear Sweet Sheri, wish I could be there to "make it all go away". We are with you in our thoughts and prayers. Anger is a part of grief so it is OK to be angry. It is normal. You are the best example of grace under fire that any of us have ever know. Do not spend your precious time giving thought to something that has nothing to do with your faith. God knows and that is all that really matters. I read several verses on Eternal Life this A.M.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life" JOHN 6:47 We love You All, Aunt Doris
Sheri, yes you can be blunt and Biblical! I know the people who have sent these messages have been sincere in what they believe, however, they are sincerely not Biblical. According to the whole counsel of God’s Word, the power of Faith does not reside in Faith itself but in God, who blesses our (the believer’s) faith, when it conforms to HIS will. An example is I John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will He will hear us.” I could go on but this is not the time nor the place to debate God’s role in the realm of illness. I love you both and I’m praying for God’s best in your lives, whatever that journey brings. Blessings, Levada
Sheri and Steve, Just want to send you our love!! Rhonda
Sheri,
Having lost a spouse to cancer, every emotion that you are feeling right now, every joy, every burden, everytime Steve makes you laugh, every tear, etc. is all normal!! A person cannot tell you that they understand unless they have walked in your shoes. Your faith, trust, and love for each other and most importantly your love for the Lord is amazing. You guys have a beautiful testimony that has touched so many people. Don't let someone who would make negative comments bring you down. You know, that is spiritual warfare. People are always gonna make you feel bad or test your faith. Don't let them. I saw this poster in your home with the words painted on it : "For I know the plans I have for you" Trust in those words, not the words of men. Always remember God's timing is perfect, his decisions (no matter what that is) are perfect. He has a plan for you and Steve. I believe that with all my heart! And I will continue to pray for you! Debbie McAree
Steve and Sheri,
Please do not be discouraged...
Your faith and trust in the Lord is AMAZING!!! You have been such a Godly example to me and my family during this trial. God doesn't always choose what we want and desire, however, His plan IS perfect and we have to trust Him...although His plan might not always be easy for us or what we might choose. I don't always agree with what God may choose for my life (imagine that), however, I have to continue to have faith in Him...
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 22:8-9
Praying for you...
Love, Charlotte
oops...
Isaiah 55:8-9...not 22
Sheri,
I am always looking for stories of faith and good theology to teach the Trek group in AWANA. I have found none finer than this blog and will be sharing your words of faith, struggle, and dependence on a Holy God to see you through it all.
Press On,
Darren
Sheri,
I remember being red in the face angry at people who made similar comments to our family about dad. Satan always knows when to strike.
The people who make comments like that usually haven't walked in your shoes and have no grasp of what you are going through. Sometimes I think it's their way of dealing with things, and it makes them feel better because they at least said something.
Still praying for you, for endurance, strength, and peace.
-Ann
Just know that you guys have been an INCREDIBLE example to us because of the amazing faith you have shown through this trial!! We are praying and will continue to pray!!! Know that you guys are precious and dearly loved!
Love, Nate & Bethany
Sheri,
I think the person who left that message doesn't have the true perception of who God is. Whoever wrote that thinks that God's love depends upon what we do. It doesn't. God's love doesn't rise and fall with our performance or lack there of. We don't love our children for what they do, we love them for who they are. We love them because they are our children. God loves us for the same reason. We are His. Mayby this person needs to look at the life of Paul and Job. Paul endured many trials and died a martyr. Job also endured trials and but received his reward in this life. So, Job just prayed alittle harder? I think not. Mayby we should see it as Job just getting a small idea of the reward to come to all of us who love and serve Christ. I often have to remember that God doesn't always work acording to His power, but to His purpose. Sheri, stay strong and know that God loves you and Steve because you are His children and that is not based on your performance.
Shelli
Beautifully written. Completely true. Once we were asked when we came back from France, "Please tell me what you did wrong to discern God's voice in going over there. I don't want to make the same mistake you did." The implication was that since we "failed" in France, it must not have been God leading us there. I wrote a lengthy email back, explaining that it's an American view of the Gospel that thinks if God is calling you to something it MUST be successful. Sometimes God, in His sovereign, mysterious plan, calls us to suffer.
I'm so sad you are suffering right now. I don't pretend to know God's purposes. But I know He is good. And He will do amazing things through your suffering. No amount of name-it-claim-it faith can make up for the heavenly rewards you're gaining right now.
You show your love for Steve every time your eyes meet. Steve shows his love for you every time he smiles. There is something very comforting and reassuring when we see this reflection of love being shared here on these pages.
Only listen to the music that soothes your heart. Don't let the negative 'noise' from others distract you from your mission of glorifying God through this situation.
You are much loved and much appreciated! Mama June and Dad
"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Gal. 5:6
Amen and Amen
Sheri,
We love you and Steve...the gifts we see in you are...faith, love, freedom, encouragement, and peace.
Please don't pay any attention to whatever those people said.
Your and Steve's faith is amazing.
You are an inspiration to us.
You are glorifying God all through this hard journey. That is truly the greatest faith of all.
We love you,
Mike and Dollie
Dear Sheri,
I share in the responses posted here and rejoice in your incrdible faith and witness to each of us throughout this period of intense suffering. Death is neither end nor failure in faith, but a glorious beginning for believers in Christ Jesus.
It breaks our hearts to hear of your suffering in this way. We can only say "thank you" for sharing yourself so openly and freely.
Be blessed in His love.
Bettye
Amen.
Sheri, the faith that you and Steve have both shown throughout this ordeal is the kind of faith that I strive for. Thank you for your continuing example, even in the midst of this most difficult journey. Love you both and am continuing to pray for you!
Love,
Kim "Kimbo" Jones
Although tears fill my eyes to overflowing and my heart grieves for all of you everytime I read another entry in your blog, I am inexplicably drawn to it as my soul rejoices with you at the reward you will receive for your testimony, faith, and your incredible willingness to share these intimate details of your life. God has touched me deeply through you. Thank you for allowing him to teach me more compassion than I ever thought I was even capable of. I won't pretend to know what you are going through. I, like so many others here, can only thank you for your truly inspiring example.
Do NOT let anyone cause you to waiver or doubt your faith. I have seen more faith between you and Steve than I have seen in a very long time. AND at a time when most of us would have already given up.
Love, peace, comfort and God's grace and mercy are the things I'm praying for you all.
Jan King
AMEN!!!! You are an AMAZING woman, and the love you have expressed on your web page is felt all the way to OHIO. You are in our prayers and we will also pray for the person who spoke such unkind and untrue words to you!!!
Lisa
(Ohio)
Sheri,
When my husband had brain cancer the same word faith healers came to me and said similar things.
Every single person Jesus ever healed died of something.
When Steve goes home, he will be fully healed, he will be complete.
I pray for the Lord to continue to strengthen you as you continue to keep your eyes stayed on Him.
Blessings, Sheila
Dear Sheri and Steve,
We are so sorry to hear that you were hurt instead of comforted by one of your friends/acquaintences. Know that we love you both and we have been praying dilgently for God to comfort you both. Knowning that you and Steve need quiet and peace and prayers, we gladly stand in the gaps for you guys. We want to do whatever you need us to do, even if that means no visitors so Steve can rest. We don't want to be selfish and we appreciate your posts on this blog.
You're not alone, He is with you always. Call us if you want anything please.
Jackie and Jay Andrews
Steve and Sheri, We love you so deeply. We are keeping you in our Heart consantly. Van and Beth
Sheri and Steve,
What an inspiration ya'll have been to so many. We thank you for sharing this journey through this blog. Your faith is a testimony to all of us. We pray for both of you to feel a sense of peace. We love you!
Lance and Jennifer Sewell
AMEN!!!
Sheri,
Thank you for educating others even in your darkest days. You are the picture of grace.
Unfortunately people don't know what to say, sometimes it is best to say nothing, just be there to help when needed. That is what you taught us when Jake was killed.
Love,
Terri
Sheri, I am so sorry to hear that some believe that more of your faith could heal Steve. I cannot fathom someone saying something like that to you at this time. Probably no one has prayed any harder than you for his healing. You are right - it is not about US but about HIM. We are not allowed to see the future as He does. We may not ever understand why it has to be this way, but we MUST NEVER stop having faith and hope that Steve will be healed. God can still do it - but it may not be the way WE want it. We have no control over His will. I will continue to pray for Steve's healing, and to pray for you, that you will have the strength that you need in the coming days. You still inspire my husband and me with every posting. I don't think that I could hold up the way you have. You are very strong in your faith and don't let anyone tell you differently. My heart goes out to you, Steve, and your boys.
Praying for you,
Nancy
Be strong in the Lord, stand firm!
God has been glorfied today, how much more will He be glorified tomorrow? You are a TRUE testimony of what faith is all about and all the glory is His!
Love you both so much!
Virginia <><
Dearest Sheri:You are the perfect example of a beautiful christian woman,we love you and Steve a lot and we are always praying for you both.
Many blessings.gloria
Steve,
I haven't had many encouraging or inspiring words over the past 6 weeks to share with you, but I just want to say thank you for being our realtor, friend, leader and an excellent example of a christian man and father.
God bless you and your family,
Kevin
Sheri:
I was recently challenged by my ABF teacher to take my faith to a deeper level and spend more time in prayer. I want you to know that you have been such a major source of inspiration for me in my journey. Every morning, I come to this blog to check on Steve and to read your words. The complete trust that you show in God's plan for you and Steve is amazing. He is teaching me so many things through you and your testimony of faith. I will continue to pray for you and Steve and trust that God will strengthen and comfort you both.
In Christ,
Janet
Sheri, i completely agree.
I read this blog daily, and though i don't know you or steve personally... i can attest that you, steve and your family are a daily reminder of HIS grace, and a testimony of HIS love. I'm astounded by your unwaivering faith, encouraged by your spirit of praise, and challenged by your words. The safest place to be is in the center of HIS will. Soli Deo Gloria! To GOD be the glory.
-elizabeth
Sheri
People like that are exactly the ones that keep people away from the church. God has never asked us to question one anothers faith. Steve and his family have so many prayers going up for him that God will do his will in this situation and blessings will come to your family.
Sheri,
God knows you. He knows your heart. He recognizes your faith and you are both part of His Plan. Don't worry about what someone else say because it's a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ. We all know how pure the relationship is for both you and Steve. It's evidenced throughout this entire Blog. I continue to keep you both and your family in prayer. I also will start praying for those who don't have the spiritual gift of hospitality. I pray my faith is as strong as the two of you so their heart may be changed.
Love you guys,
Stephen Arnold
Ignorance, arrogance, and downright, old fashioned stupidity are thankfully grace-covered-sins. ...at least i hope so.
Sheri, your post was gracious--far more so than I would have been in your shoes. The funny thing about that sort of advice, is that it comes out of the fool's mouth like wisdom but it betrays a lack of God-wisdom and illustrates an uneducated believer.
If you you had more faith would anything be different? Yes, perhaps. Maybe you would see more clearly the Glory of God--and cry harder, love Steve even more deeply, and suffer this tragic torment even more painfully. For great faith in a GREAT God is a terrible thing and not the playground of children like the well-meaning moron who told you to have more faith. Peace, sister and friend.
Sheri, My name is Ann LeRoux and Steve was my son Aaron's teacher at Vanguard. I just wanted to let you know that I have only recently learned of Steve's cancer and have been praying for you both. Steve and I realized that we had both been in Chapel Choir at First Dallas when I met him at Vanguard.I just wanted to let you know that Steve was a gift from God while Aaron was at Vanguard. God has constantly put people in our path to guide us down the road of Autism and Steve was the one to help Aaron with employment at Red River Paper (where Aaron is still employed after 6 years). So many people have shared with me that in my life of "Aaron" they have been encouraged to see how God gives strength and cares for those who love Him. I have no words to convey my sorrow for you, Steve and your precious kids, but I do know that God will use this to bring glory to His name. How amazing to know we can be tools to help others to come to our Blessed Lord. Your faith WILL bring others to Him. Ann LeRoux
Dear Sheri:
It makes me sad to know that you feel sad for some comments that puts your faith in doubt. I just want to tell you again that you are an incredible woman of faith, that you and Steve are an inspiration to me and to others. Don`t pay attention to bad comments, you know the size of your faith and God is pleased with you. I love you very very much. Words aren`t enough to express what you have done in my life....
I am praying for you daily that Steve has more good days.
Tania
Sheri,
I want you to know that your faith, courage,strength and openess on this mission has changed so many lives, mine included. You and Steve are a perfect testimony of what faith is.
I get up every morning & come here to see how you are doing, and to be renewed again by your faith. It is amazing and life altering.
I pray that you and your boys find comfort in the arms of the Lord in the upcoming days.
I pray for peace and comfort for all of you.
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
love,
marcy
I am heartbroken for you...as if this wasn't a nightmare already. God's will is NOT always our own, but it IS perfect. Faith is in following Him anyway, even when you cannot fathom why this may be His will. You are a faithful woman and this I know for sure: Steve's journey and your strength have brought us all closer to Him. Please grasp the magnitude of that and rejoice in it.
Amen...may you know the comfort of resting in His palm...
Sheri,
Do you mind if I use your words in an article I'm writing? I don't need to mention names, depending on how you feel. It's for In Touch Magazine and will be about the American idea that God exists to fulfill our every whim. Your blog post here says it so well and sums up the importance of His sovereignty.
You can email me at maryedemuth at sbcglobal dot net
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