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Men of Integrity, Nov/Dec 2000
Dravecky's Darkest Day
This Week's Theme: Surviving Storms
Tuesday, December 12
Key Bible Verse: God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b).
Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18
After helping the San Diego Padres into the World Series, pitcher Dave Dravecky was traded to the San Francisco Giants. As 1988 opening day pitcher, he beat archrival Los Angeles, 5-0.
Then in October, 1988, doctors discovered cancer in his left deltoid and operated, removing half the muscle in his pitching shoulder. In a thrilling comeback, Dave returned to the mound in August and pitched the 1989 Giants to a 4-3 win over Cincinnati. But the humerus bone, weakened by radiation therapy, snapped during a game in Montreal.
During the next year, the illness recurred, forcing the cancerous limb's amputation. Jan, his wife of 14 years, suffered burn-out. Friends they'd counted upon withdrew. Dave describes those enormous physical and emotional adjustments.
"There were times when I did feel like I was at the end of my rope. But the key was knowing I didn't have to worry about having enough strength to hold onto the rope because I knew God was holding onto me. That's where the true strength really is," he emphasizes. "God promises to never leave me nor forsake me no matter how low I am. Cancer introduced me to suffering, and suffering is what strengthened my faith."
—Path to Victory
Respond:
Spend a few minutes thanking God for holding on to you.
Thought to Apply:
Affliction, like the iron-smith, shapes as it smites.
—Christian N. Bovee (author, lawyer, 19th century)
Adapted from: Path to Victory (International Bible Society, 1993).
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Prayer for the Week |
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Thank you, Jesus, for being there when I fall.
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