My heart is so completely full today. I cannot tell you how much it warms and overwhelms my spirit to have heard such an outpouring of comments as we did yesterday. I too often forget how many of you are walking this journey with us. I have another more detailed post I’m working on about the NIH treatment options and the UCLA options, but this morning I just have to offer a little “devotional” that’s been on my heart.
Just over a week ago, Kevin and I were literally sitting across from each other discussing memorial services. That is not because we didn’t believe God could work a miracle, but rather because we were at the point where a miracle was what it was going to take. I don’t write about it too often here, but melanoma is actually one of the least treatable cancers, especially if you are stage four. It is just one of the very terrifying realities of all this and Kevin and I are pretty practical so we don’t hide from it. It is what it is, and better to discuss the possibilities up front than to pretend it might not happen.
Anyway, in the past week, we have literally seen miracle after miracle. God’s hand has been all over every step we have taken in the past seven days, and it has been one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had. We have walked in perfect surrender, knowing that the next step was the only thing we could count on, and kept begging God to simply make it obvious and to start opening and closing doors.
Today we are in a place of perfect peace and excitement and hope that this treatment will be the magic bullet for Kevin. And trusting that if not that the next one after that will be. We are so confident in God’s plans because of the innumerable ways He has reached out and carried us in the past week. It is impossible to chalk up the number of providential events that have happened over the last week to coincidence.
But here’s the thing. In the simplest terms, a week ago we were sad and mourning, with only the faintest glimmer of hope. Today we are so full of hope and joy that we can hardly stand it. But Kevin hasn’t even started a treatment yet. He has exactly the same amount of cancer that he had a week ago. Who knows, maybe even a little more! God has not healed him. Yet literally everything is different.
I just have to share this with all of you because I think it’s so important to understand that God really does work in real time. He walks with us, carries us, guides us, even when He hasn’t answered our prayers with the “giant” miracle we are looking for. And if I am looking around, I can receive the amazing gift of seeing and feeling His presence no matter the situation. God works miracles and answers prayers on a daily basis by being Emmanuel, God with us. He is here, and He is real, and He is working.
Okay, morning devotion over!
We are on our way right now for Kevin’s FIRST infusion at 8AM at UCLA. Be in prayer that this Anti-PD1 will cause “programmed death” in Kevin’s cancer cells! Amen!
Amen and amen!!
Kevin and Rachel – I find your energy amazing… that is “miracle” in itself!
No doubt in my mind how prayer can truly “lift us up”. Know there are many with you as you journey this terrible cancer.
Love, Irene
Kevin & Rachel, you are both in my prayers not just for today, but everyday until he is healed. Yes i also realize that he have to be on the realistic side, but i have to believe in my heart of hearts that Kevin will & can beat this. It hurts me inside to see that Cancer is with him & knowing what God knows i know God will do his best to give Kevin a lot more time with you & the Kids. We. Serve an awesome God & therefore we need to trust him in good & bad moments. I’am not trying to down you both all i’am simply saying even thought we need to be prepared just incase something goes wrong (which is always good to do) we also need to hope & pray for God’s best & i’am hoping for spectaclur news.
Kevin & Rachel please forgive me if i seem to be holding onto more of the postitive & the the negative because to me “Death” is not in it for me to believe. My believe is hoping that Kevin can & will beath this Cancer & be cancer free. But i want you toalso know i do realize the outcome of what may or may not even happen. Hang in there & know that i just love you both & want Kevin to live longer life with You & The kids. Keep us posted. Praying right now. Love you both. Remember to read Jeremiah 30:17 & Mark 1!:24. Have a bless day. God Bless You!
Love You Both So Much,
Danielle
for God’s best & there is always that chance of a miracle coming through. And that is what i’am doing & please Kevin & Rachel please forgive me if i’am trying to look at the positive & not the negative.
The faith you two have is completely amazing and uplifting. Reading this blog (as well asyour others) makes me cry AND Praise the Lord all at the same time!
I HATE that you have to go through this, but please know that you are growing others by your example and the faith in God that shines thru you!
Amen and amen!
Hi Rachel and Kevin,
I met you both on the flight from Atlanta to LAX back on July 3rd. I had my two girls with me. We sat across the isle from each other, and I had the honor of praying for you when we exited the plane. That was an experience I loved and will never forget, having open prayer with Jesus at LAX. I found your website and have been happy to hear that you’ve had some positive prospects of treatment available. I will continue to lift you up in prayer that all good things will come to your family. Rest in Him. I know you already are. You are living out this scripture – God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7. You are an inspiration to all of us. Lots of love to both of you and your sweet children. -Lisa
Rachel and Kevin,
This was so wonderful to read this morning. I had just come in from my prayer time this morning and I was asking the Father again for mercy and healing on your behalf. He is so good. My heart is uplifted in your hope and joy.
We will continue to pray and wait for the good news!
Love,
mary anne
Beautiful. Thinking of you and praying for you EVERY DAY.