Praising God for another good doctor report

Three years ago I didn't know if I would live to see another day, much less another year. Complications from a prostate biopsy nearly took me out.

I was in the hospital for the second time in a month this time three years ago. In addition to my kidneys shutting down, blood pressure bottoming out, and being very sick, I experienced excoriating pain in my back. I couldn't move, much less walk.

In 2014 my PSA jumped to over 6. It remained elevated over 6 in 2015. So, a biopsy was performed. One report stated I had prostate cancer. Another said they weren't sure. Later in the year I went for another biopsy for a second opinion. That one showed something really small and what they said was non-aggressive. It was after that second biopsy things went awry.

I was on my back for three months, unable to walk as the infection settled in my spine. I was quarantined in my hospital room, but my precious bride never left my side. I remember telling Martha I was ready to go home to Heaven and be with Jesus.

There were some touch and go moments, but obviously, God brought me through it. And, for the third consecutive year, I'm thankful to say I received another excellent report from my urologist in Birmingham today. My PSA is in the safe and healthy range of 2.49. To God be the glory! I believe God has healed me. That's the only explanation I can give for a PSA above 6 for two years to where it has been now the past three years.

A friend asked me this weekend what did I think it caused my PSA to drop so significantly. I responded, "Prayer, lots of prayer."

Martha and I both shed tears of joy again this afternoon in Birmingham and praised God. I told God that obviously, I want to be well, but I also want Him to get all of the praise, honor and glory for it. My prayer is my testimony will encourage someone. I pray that someone reading this or someone who hears me talk about it, will realize there really is a God and give his or her life to Jesus. I pray someone's faith will be increased as he or she face serious health issues, knowing they can trust God with their health.

Around five years ago, God miraculously healed Martha when a lump was discovered on one of her breasts. We are so thankful for God's healing power on our lives. We know it's all for His glory, and for us to continue doing His work that He has called us to do.

So be encouraged. Call out to God, no matter what the situation looks like. Give it to Him. Put your faith in Him. When you do, it's amazing how calm and relaxed you can face your situation. I remember no matter how much pain I was in, I knew God had me. I thought about the pain Jesus went through for me and knew what I was experiencing was nowhere close to what He went through to bring salvation to all who believe.

Since 2015, I've understood and lived by what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." That's how I will always face life now. I had to go through that valley to understand that. So whatever you are going through, trust God. Let Him teach you want He wants to teach you in that valley. And know if He brings healing then to live is Christ. If He takes you home to Heaven, then to die is gain.

I know one day I will leave this world, and I look forward to it. For on that day I will see my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face. But until He calls me home, I will thank Him and praise Him for all He does for me every day, and continue to live for Him.