I will never forget that early January afternoon 30 years ago. Alone, in a hospital bed and far from home. I had just turned 21 and was in the Air Force. I had met Susan and was due to be married. I was on top of the world. But the doctors came in and said I had cancer. Worse yet, it had spread. I was told that I had about a 30 percent chance of survival. Why me? I was a good Christian, right? I went through Lutheran grade school and a Lutheran high school. I sang in the school and church choir. Why me?

I turned to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and prayed. I prayed long and hard that day. I looked back upon my life, and I saw all my sins exposed. I was ashamed, desolate, and empty. I might hide my sins from others while I was far away and no one was watching, but not from Jesus. But I also remembered the sacrifice, love, and forgiveness of Jesus for me. My prayer ended something like, "Lord, if my work is done and it be your will that I be called home, that's okay. If you have further work for me to do, that's okay too. I leave the decision in your hands, Lord. Please guide and direct my life. Not my will but your will be done. In Jesus' name. Amen."
Well, you know the rest of the story. I'm writing this 30 years later. My chemo treatments ended five months after Susan and I married. I was pronounced in remission. I went on to earn my business degree, join a Fortune 100 company in Wisconsin, and earn my MBA.

Troubles return

After a couple years I was transferred from Wisconsin to Tennessee. We found a small WELS congregation meeting in a member's home. I was part of the church council and knocked on doors preparing for our first service. Susan and I had a 15-acre ranch with four horses. It was Susan's greatest dream come true. We made some very close friends. Over time one of them eventually confessed his belief in our Savior Jesus Christ. I was successful at work. Life was good.

Soon after the opening of Living Word Lutheran Church, I was asked by the president of another division to come and help him in Wisconsin. We bought a house in Wisconsin and settled in. We soon made some friends but found that they were having problems. Over time, the Holy Spirit used our witness to bring some to know Jesus.

Unfortunately, about that time the corporate political winds shifted. My division was merged with another. I was stunned when I was told I would be let go. I had 15 years of outstanding performance and exceptional accomplishments. I went home and asked, "Why me?" I had worked so hard. I felt betrayed. I truly felt God meant for me to be here. Why were bad things happening to me? I prayed frequently and asked God to guide my life so I could make the right choices.