We’re currently in a series where we’re talking about the power of words.

Proverbs 12:18 NCV says “Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.”

“Careless words” include COMPLAINING.

In Philippians 2, Paul said we should have the attitude of Christ which includes:  “Do everything without complaining…” (Phil. 2:14 GNT)

Sometimes our circumstances are difficult and we’ll be tempted to complain, but Paul says do all things without complaining.   If you can change your circumstances in a way that honors God, change them.  If not, change your perspective.

I’m reminded of a great example of this in the life of my friend Del Pitts.

Del was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in October, 2014.   He and his wife Christi were determined to trust God and be examples for Christ regardless of the outcome.  Never once did Del say: “Why me?”

Even with weekly chemo and daily radiation treatments, Del continued to serve faithfully on the Parking Lot Team at Grace Fellowship and worked as much as he could.

In February, 2015, he had a major surgery to remove most of his esophagus and part of his stomach.  As Christi says, the doctors, nurses and other patients loved him because of his great smile, attitude and his way of encouraging the other patients on his floor of the hospital.

He went back to work in the summer of 2015, but one of his vocal chords became paralyzed and he had another round of chemo in August.

In February/March 2016 the cancer came back with a vengeance and metastasized.  The doctor gave Del months to live; several months longer if he continued with chemo.  Del chose no more chemo because he wanted to live out the rest of his life enjoying his family, serving God and feeling as good as he could.

The next weekend he was back in the Parking Lot at Grace Fellowship, serving Jesus with the guys he loved so much.

On April 30 there was a big party for Del with family and friends. It was filled with fun, love and laughter!

Christi told us the last week of his life, Del had such a profound peace that there are no words to describe it.   Only God can provide that kind of peace and Del loved God with his whole heart.  Del had no doubts about where he would spend eternity.

Even in this stage of life and cancer, Del was an encourager.  He told Christi: “I learned to love Jesus by watching you love Jesus and I will forever be grateful to you for that.”

It was so important to Del that people could see his faith in Jesus through his battle with cancer.  He told his friends that he was going to win either way; he was going to be healed or he was going to be in heaven with Jesus.

Del once again served in the Parking Lot on May 22, and went to be with his Lord on May 26.

“Do everything without complaining…” Philippians 2:14 GNT

—

BJ RUTLEDGE

LEAD PASTOR  GF.CHURCH