Why Keep Going? Is It Because We Are Super Christians?

A reader wrote to us:

I have such GREAT respect and admiration for you and Michelle. I just don't know how you can keep going like this. I keep telling myself, I would stop, put her on strong medications and live at Disney world until the end.

BUT, I know it is much easier for me to say when I'm not the one going through it. I believe in God, Jesus and Heaven. What exactly is it that makes you and Michelle continue with Abby's treatments? How do you keep going? I hope I have not offended you in anyway. I would just like to be enlightened.

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Some people may find those questions too personal or insensitive. WE DO NOT. The whole purpose of our public journey is to be available to answer the hard questions for people. That is our gift, to communicate the "why?" to people and hopefully build their faith. What better way can we honor Abby's life than to bring others nearer to God by illuminating the truths of faith and hope to those who seek it?

First, we don't deserve any one's admiration or respect. For the parts of our life where we have victory and some perseverance during this trial, all credit goes to God. Without Him giving us 100% of what we need emotionally, spiritually and financially, this difficulty would have consumed us long ago. So if you have admiration, admire God for caring for us. If you have respect, respect God for His unfailing attentiveness. If you have are moved, inspired or strengthened, thank God for it because we are utterly incapable except in that which God empowers us.

Along those lines, you might not have any admiration for us if you witnessed our weaknesses. You might lose respect if you saw us when we struggle. You might not think so highly of us if you found out we aren't always wearing smiles. You might not be so impressed if you witnessed stress over expenses, insurance, bills, travel, etc.

We want to be honest about those things because the fallacy of "the super Christian" ruins the faith of many. You see the Super Pastor or Holy Popular Speaker and formulate this unrealistic idea about their lives. People come to believe that they can't live up to the apparent standards of the "super spiritual"; they could never be "as faithful", that they would fall apart and fail if they were to be in the same situation. Why?

Because they believe the "super Christian" has some innate level of faith and spirituality that is out of their reach.

WRONG! First of all, truth be known, we all have relatively the same struggles, weakness, failure and inconsistency. It only APPEARS different for the "super Christians" because you don't know them well enough.

The only real difference is the degree to which we avail ourselves of God's provisions. We all have the same access, but not everyone embraces the full benefit of it.

Those who do, seem "super spiritual" but they are not. They are just more fully accepting what God has made available to us ALL as Christians.

The same Jesus that gives Michelle and I faith when we start to waiver, can give you faith. The same God who still cares for us when we begin to doubt, will still care for you. The same Holy Spirit that leads us back to the path when we have wandered off it, will lead you too.

No, dear friends, there is really nothing to "enlighten" you about. The best we can do is set an example of total dependence on God, and if you want to admire us for that, okay. But it's nothing special. It's a choice. And even the power to depend on God is a blessing that comes from God.

Starting to see a pattern? It's all God... you just have to choose Him. In fact, its the EASY choice. What's the alternative? Worry? Anxiety? Bitterness? Uncertainty. No thanks.

When you consider the options, it is no great act of faith to embrace that which cannot fail you (God) so you do not have to depend on what will always fail you (me).

• We give in to worry occasionally but then remember God is in control.


• We get concerned about bills and finances but then God taps us on the shoulder and gives us "the look" ("hey, did you forget I own everything?")


• We get tired and impatient but one prayer, together or privately, erases it all


• We yearn for a life that is not about cancer, but then we see all the ways that God is using this to His glory and we realize that it is truly an example of "all things work together".

Why do we "go on", the reader asks. Simple: God hasn't told us to let Abby go yet.

We've talked about that possibility. We've talked about how to know when God says "enough, I'm bringing her home." We know God will make that clear if it is His will. Otherwise, we continue to believe it is His will that Abby will be healed and we'll stand on that belief, IN FAITH, until such time God clearly reveals otherwise.

That is why we "go on". God has taken care of us every step of the way. If He makes it clear to us it is His will to "let go" then we'll stop "going on".

Do not think highly of us. We struggle. We fail. We are having the monster-mother-of-all-trials (relative to our experience) with the predictable difficulties. God gives us strength, and we lean on Him. God gives us wisdom and we rely on it. God gives us faith, so we do not lose heart.

If you want to respect someone, respect God. If you want to admire someone, admire Jesus. Without them, we would have folded, doubted, crumbled, gave up and cursed this trial a long time ago.

What are your questions for us? We live an open life for the benefit and edification of others. How can we help you in your spiritual walk today?

~ Brent