In life we have plans that are developed from birth. At that time our parents or other caretakers determine what those plans are. Toddlers may be put in certain sports or gymnastics, or some parents may try to develop musical gifts for those children who seem so inclined. As children grow older, such activities may turn into ‘leads’ in life’s development. So as children continue to grow into adults, they develop plans of their own that may or may not include the long term activities of the past.

As adults, we then make our plans from a combination of past activities and interests we have developed over the years.

When dealing with long-term illness, one doesn’t know what to expect. While being thankful to still have the ability to make plans that are likely to be carried out, we have to stay ready to make adjustments. Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, has spent his adult life in ministry and as a pastor. He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer a few years ago and has thankfully exceeded his prognosis of sustaining life for 15 months. We praise God that it has been well over that time!

Rev. Fuzz has made great strides as he continues in his journey, yet he still has a ways to go to be cancer free. He has had cancer shrinkage and improvements concerning the cancer itself. However, he has developed other issues relative to his cancer diagnosis. Rev. Fuzz is able to do and maintain many of the activities that were a large part of his past. However, he makes this statement:

“People still haven’t caught on that just because they see me in public doesn’t mean that I’m back to doing anything like my old self. What they see is the ‘25%’ of the time I get to go out. I’ve cut down 75% of my activities—like instead of preaching six to eight sermons each month, I deliver two sermons each month. I delegate responsibilities like hospital and sick visits, teaching Sunday school, etc.”

So when Rev. Fuzz is seen in public, understand that he is much better; however, he is still in need of many prayers. All things are done in God’s time. So we must never cease from praying.

One of Rev. Fuzz’s focus in ministry has always been about praying and the power of prayer. It has been his desire for the whole world to be in prayer together. All Rev. Fuzz’s routine activities have been cut by 75%, but he uses his remaining 25% to continue to serve in ministry and community.

Keep praying. Share and be encouraged by the postings and weekly readings of ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’