Tim Eimer: Conformity to the image of Christ... through these symptoms

Dear friends, the symptoms intensified this past week, and I hated what they revealed.
Harsh words flew from my mouth at my boys all week long instead of the soothing oil of gentleness. Impatience burned in my throat like dragon fire. My thoughts dwelled inward on my suffering instead of seeing beyond these mere annoyances to the needs of others. The flaking corrosion of selfishness still clings to the core of my soul encrusting it with debilitating impurities. The hot flames of this trial, it would seem, are needed to scour away the rust (1 Peter 1:7).

Soon after the symptoms of this drug began, God placed a strong image of Jesus in my thoughts. My mind cannot fathom the humility of our Lord.

Through eternity past, Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). He claimed the title of God King, royal deity, the One who reigned through all eternity (Hebrews 1:8). Jesus reflected the blinding radiance of His Father's glory (Hebrews 1:3). He created every king and kingdom, every atom and wisp of gas, and His power held the universe together (Colossians 1:16-17).

Then Jesus humbled Himself to this life, this small bit of rock, this misery, and His cross. He came to us poorly clothed in our hunger, thirst, and pain plagued flesh, reduced in status below His glorious subjects (Hebrews 2:9). He submitted Himself to every carnal temptation (Hebrews 4:15) and tasted the bitter decay of death (Hebrews 2:9).

How did Jesus react to His suffering? He healed thousands upon thousands. He poured kind words on tax collectors and repulsive adulteresses. He fed the hungry. He defended the most wretched of people, the impoverished, widows, crippled beggars. He patiently taught the flocks of sheep like listeners. Jesus bore the mocking and beating of Roman soldiers in silence without curse or complaint. He hauled his cross through Jerusalem's streets till he could no longer stand. He stayed on a cross without calling his vast army of angels to help him.

Obviously, I have a long way to go in following my Savior's example of a life filled with love for others (Ephesians 5:1). Romans 8:28 promises me that all things, my cancer included, will work toward my good because I love God, but Romans 8:29 identifies the good. The good is not a cancer free life nor even a span of years to raise my boys. The good is conformity to the image of Christ, the example of Jesus. This is the lesson I need to learn through these symptoms.

God bless,

Tim