Citizens Of Heaven

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

- John 16:33

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer five years ago. My right kidney was surgically removed and we prayed that the cancer was contained to the kidney alone. I was told that if the cancer did not spread and no signs of it were found in the next 5 years, I would be declared “cancer-free.” Unfortunately, a couple of months later we learned, as my doctor put it, “The horse got out of the barn.” The cancer had metastasized to my lungs and then to my adrenal glands.

Two years later, in September 2017, I had the privilege of delivering a weekend message at The Church at RB.

As I closed the message, I shared with everyone that I didn’t know if God would choose to heal me in this lifetime or the next, but I was okay either way.

Yesterday, Pastor Jared shared in his message that we are eternal beings and our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), not here on earth. With that in mind, he said, “Whatever turbulence you may be experiencing, drown it in the holy waters of eternal life.”

Last month, on September 6, Pam shared with me that 5 years ago she had marked the 6th of September on her calendar as the anniversary of my surgery, knowing, that if no cancer appeared, I would be declared cancer-free. Obviously, that did not happen, but rather than let it get us down, we continue to remind ourselves of God’s grace, His love and His hope, which brings us peace.

As Pastor Jared said, we are able to say, “Thank you, God, that I am a citizen of Heaven.”

Pastor Ken

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