Use me too

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Ephesians 1:4

In 2007, Army Chaplain, Jeremiah Catlin, at the age of 32 with a wife and two small children, was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma in his chest, arm, neck and head. He was told that he had a year to live. By God's grace and the hands of a gifted surgeon, the cancer was removed in 2008, the same year he formed a nonprofit organization to address the spiritual needs of wounded veterans and their families. While undergoing treatment he said, "I had resolved that God was done with me -- that he didn't need my ministry... I was humbled that God still chose to use me." 

After being declared in remission in 2012, he wanted to run but was told because of the damage to his arm and chest, that would never be a possibility. But that next year, Jeremiah ran a marathon and hasn't stopped since. What an honor then to join him at the start line of the Bass Pro Marathon last Sunday. The minor aches and pains I was feeling seemed petty compared with the struggle that Jeremiah had faced and the pain he would have to endure and overcome to make it to the finish line. But, wearing this TEAM 413 shirt, he did finish "upright" as was his goal and is already planning another one. And with each step, he will no doubt, be letting God use him to be a blessing to others.

God did indeed choose him as Ephesians 1:4 says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." He chose to use him before the trial, through the trial and because of the trial. And no matter what you are facing, he can use you too if you will allow him. As Oscar Wilde once wrote, "What seems to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise."

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing us. We are truly humbled that a holy and blameless God would use sinners such as us to do your will. May we, no matter what we are going through, look for ways to be a blessing to others and to share the message of salvation to a dying world. Use us Lord through the trials and in spite of them. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Use me too - Johnny Diaz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKa5iM5DTy8

http://www.army.mil/article/112606/Chaplain_wins_race_against_cancer/