Lessons Learned from My Sickness – Part 18: Faith Challenge Accepted
By Pastor Ronny Luces
“Pastor, I challenge you. Live what you preach!”
These strong words were passionately spoken by my doctor, right after he revealed to me my sickness.
To make his statement more emphatic, he looked at me straight in the eyes with fingers pointing firmly to me.
This strongly-worded admonition was used by God to make me courageous in facing my trials and to make me fully dependent on Him.
Without this frank and brave reminder from my doctor, I could have adopted a weak and defeatist attitude in facing my situation.
You see, when the doctor told me what I have to go through to confront my sickness, what possible treatments I can explore, what tests I should undergo, what opportunities are open for me if I am just courageous enough to face them, I replied rather unconvincingly, “What if I just wait for what will happen to me Doc”?
That earned my doctor’s ire. For him, to adopt a passive or negative attitude in the light of what I’m facing is an expression of faithlessness, and it’s not the kind of response he expected from a pastor like me.
That’s why he stood up, with his fingers firmly pointed to me and said, “Pastor, I challenge you. Live what you preach”.
His words hit me very strongly. It was like God was using him to directly speak to me.
I realized indeed, he’s right.
I used to preach about courage in the face of perplexities, strong faith in the midst of adversities, and being open to God’s revelation in the midst of confusion and doubt.
Why then should I adopt a lethargic and pathetic attitude?
I was greatly humbled and brought to reality by that experience.
That’s why I assured my doctor, “Yes, Doc. With God by my side, I accept the challenge”.
I thanked the Lord that he has spoken his words of encouragement through my doctor.
Posted on FB: 10 March 2015 – 7:34 PM
About the Author
Rev. Ronny Luces was the Minister for Administration and Community Service of the Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines. He and his wife, Martha have been with JEC’s ministry since 1994.
Pastor Ronny graduated from Central Philippine University College of Theology in 1985 and was pastor of several Baptist churches.
In January 2015, after tests and two long hospital confinements, Pastor Ronny got the word he had lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy.
Praying for healing and going through all the medical processes, Pastor Ronny wrote his reflections “Lessons Learned from My Sickness.” In July 2015, he passed away.
May Pastor Ronny’s series of reflections and meditations strengthen your hope and faith as you go through your own life’s battles.
I believe in God, so I must be take the challenge too.. Thanks for this timely message 🙂 I will include you Pastor Ron in my prayers…