God is my strength
Dear church family and friends,
Jen and I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts. The love and compassion that we have received from our family and friends has helped us to get through this difficult time.
Many of you are aware that I have been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that usually leaves an individual with a life expectancy of five years, although I have heard of some individuals living 10, 15 and even 20 years after diagnosis. Many of you know that I recently went to Johns Hopkinsfor a second opinion where they came to the same conclusion, that I have ALS. Now I live with the utterly fearful knowledge that my life can be ended short. Everyone knows that they will pass on someday, but knowing that your life may be ended short makes you look at what your life is really all about. Think about not growing old with your wife/husband, not seeing your children grow up, not being able to see future grandchildren… The list can go on. I t’s devestating to imagine those thoughts let alone to live through them.
My saving grace is knowing that God is with me, walking with me and many times carrying me. Through the pain and heartache he has not left me but instead has filled my life with hope and blessings. My faith in God has grown even stronger. Without Christ I would be lost. Everything is now in His hands. It is His will that can set me free from this disease. Even through the the pain I have still been able to see God’s greatness. There have been so many individuals who have given up their time to help my family out, whether it’s doing basement construction, watching our children, or contributing to our much needed Disney vacation. Seeing everyone come together is an incredible sight that my family is very appreciative for and will cherish forever. Most of all, I am touched by the countless number of people praying for me, both believers and non-believers, from across the country. The power of prayer can be an awesome thing.
There is still hope out there. My faith is still strong. I won’t just lie down and give up. I will fight and do everything I can to live, and right now that means praying. Praying consistently and with the faith that God will answer my prayers. I ask that you don’t stop praying, not only for me, but for criseses in your life, your family’s life, your friends life and others who need to be prayed for.
I know there are many times that we question God for the hardships in our lives, but in the end we need to have faith that God is using them in order to better our own life or to touch other lives. I know that some how, some way, God is using this for his good. It’s tough to say that, because it’s my life, but I’ve given my life over to God. I know that he is already working in my life and I trust that he is working in others.
Sincerely,
Tim Heiser
