Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

Hebrews 13:8 NIVUK

2022 feels like a year of contradictions for me.  In many ways the worst of my life.  Its been tough on my family and I’ve struggled coping with countless hospital appointments and very challenging Cancer treatments.

But in many more ways this year has been an amazing revelation of God’s love and the power of his church to reach out and bless us.  I have met God in ways I never imagined I would and known his peace in some of my darkest moments.   I am so thankful for this!

And here lies the contradiction:  To be honest its been really difficult, the strain on us all has been hard and often we’ve been running on empty, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  But I may never have known the depth of his love for me and how much God loves my own family, had I not been going through this. 

I have known the goodness of God in the midst of my suffering.  Contrary to the world view that a good God would never allow such suffering.

I have known the power of prayer and the amazing love and generosity of my church family, even when so many of you have been going through challenges of your own.

I have experienced how hope has grown in me through persevering through suffering (Romans 5 v 3-5).

My journey through this is far from over, and in many ways the worst is still to come in the new year.  I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, and I pray this horrible disease would leave me.  But more than this I pray everyone would know the future hope I have through the redeeming love of Jesus.

So the only conclusion I can come to, is that I wouldn’t want to change this.  I know how strange this sounds, but I am so thankful for everything Jesus has done in me and for me this year.  He was the same before my diagnosis, the same during these current struggles and whatever happens in the days, weeks and months ahead I know he will be with me as he always has been, ready to bless my family in the year ahead.