Faith Transfusion
As a sophomore in college, I founded a Christian club which came to be known as Ecclesia, a Greek word for the church. We quickly grew to become the largest attended club on campus, expanding to four chapters, each with its own specific area of ministry. I could not have done it alone and I am forever grateful for the honorable people of God who rallied around me during that crusade. I surrender all of the credit (and criticism) to Jesus because He is the vine and I am only a branch. Apart from Him, I can do nothing (John 15:5).
I like when God surprises me. Shortly after launching Ecclesia, I was nominated to the position of Health & Wellness Chair within the student body government. Within days of my election, the vice president resigned due to class scheduling conflicts. At our first official meeting, a vote was taken for a replacement. I was the unanimous decision. Two weeks later, the president dropped out of school because of a nearly fatal car accident. As I signed her body cast, I was informed that I would be automatically elevated to the position of president.
Overnight, I was thrust into the spotlight as a representative for thousands of students. I was asked to speak at many large events around the state. I was usually given a script, but I always looked for ways to acknowledge Jesus and encourage others to get to know Him as well. This unintentionally earned me a reputation of being approachable about spiritual things. I remember listening to Ravi Zacharias every day on the drive to school in preparation for the onslaught of Q & A as well as debate topics. I bore witness to countless life transformations and growth during those years, but what amazed me the most were the personal invitations to share my faith and develop friendships with the many high-ranking state officials within my sphere of influence. But then again, all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).
Years later, and to my amazement, the official for whom I held the most respect contacted me with a prayer request. I received permission from him to share our email conversation with my readers. For the sake of privacy, my friend shall remain anonymous. I hope you enjoy this amazing testimony.
The Conversation
I’ve been thinking about you Brandon. I hope all is well with you and yours. I think about you often.
I’m afraid it’s not good news on my end. Last year I was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with a very rare neurodegenerative disease (actually five illnesses). My diagnosis is unfortunately terminal.
I have something called MSA Multiple System Atrophy, and Cerebral Ataxia (my brain has actually started to degenerate) it is already half it’s size.
I’m in big trouble walking and talking. Swallowing and breathing come next. I’m getting ready for Jesus. I’m having quite a difficult time with daily living. Pray that I get into heaven Brandon, I’ve tried to be a good soldier.
Oh my goodness. My heart sank when I read about your diagnosis. I think about you often as well. You made such a wonderful lasting impression on me and helped shape my character, especially in the midst of adversity. I want to make myself available to you for whatever you need. I’m here for you. Please let me be an encouragement to you. You can call or text whenever you want. I work from home so my schedule is very flexible. If you just want to talk, I’m happy to listen.
About a year ago, my wife Erin and I moved to Gainesville, GA to be closer to our home church, Free Chapel, where we worship and serve as young adult leaders. We own a small business together and start each morning with prayer and Bible study. It has made all the difference in our marriage. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned that thanksgiving creates an atmosphere of praise. When it’s hard to start, Erin and I take turns saying something we are thankful for out loud. It’s amazing how quickly the mood shifts to positive thinking.
Recently, I felt inspired to create a blog to share what the Lord has been teaching me. I haven’t shared it with many people as it is still a work in progress. I feel called to write books one day, so I have begun compiling short messages as I feel inspired. I will be thinking of you as I continue working on this project. I sincerely hope it brings you some encouragement.
I’m so thankful to call you friend. I’m so thankful to call you my brother in Christ. You and I will walk together on streets of gold in eternity on day. In the meantime, I’m not letting you go without a fight. My wife and I will be praying for you every day. I love you dearly, sir.
Romans 10:9-13 says that “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.””
I’m so happy to hear from you, especially about your work with Erin as young adult leaders at Free Chapel Church. I hope you will both make an impact on others, I know you will! You made your first impact on me when you were a student Brandon – I imagine you are a much stronger influence now.
I am your “brother” in Christ and I’m not leaving without a fight.
I will never forget my days/years in leadership. I met so many wonderful people, you may have been my favorite – I guess I can say that now. Others left quite an impression and will certainly become great leaders and mentors. But you stood out Brandon.
You will change the world! Please keep me on your prayer list and add me to the prayer list at the Free Chapel Church. I want God to hear our prayers. I pray daily for forgiveness of my sins, I hope my prayers are heard.
Please give your mother my best. I am your brother in Christ….and you are my cherished friend,
Thank you for your kindness and heartfelt words. You’re still such an encouragement, even in this difficult season. That’s a characteristic of Jesus because Proverbs 11:25 says “He who refreshes others will he himself be refreshed.”
If you’ve never been given an opportunity to invite Jesus into your heart, please let me welcome you to the family of God with open arms. Billy Graham explains how simple it is to have assurance of our salvation through Christ and to know that we will live with Him in heaven for eternity. I just repeated this prayer out loud and I feel so refreshed by the Lord. Will you be so bold as to repeat this prayer out loud? Today, you can know for sure that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Say the Sinners Prayer with Billy Graham
I love the presence of the Lord and the Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). So, playing praise and worship music is a great way to invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your home. Here is one of my favorite groups: Hillsong Worship
Here are some great sermons that I believe will encourage your faith.
Behold, I Make All Things New – John Piper
Courage to Be Healed – Dr. Mark Rutland
Personal Holiness – Jentezen Franklin
I care very much about you sir and I want to make sure that you are confident in your relationship with Christ before you see Him face to face. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. It is my privilege and honor to serve you.
I love all that you’ve sent me, and I have no fear to recite anything out loud, or scream it to the world. I am going to try stem cells soon.
Yes sir. I sincerely look forward to sharing time together with you again. I just want you to know that we want to be a blessing to you. I’m so proud of you for your courage. I’m learning that courage is faith in action. Erin and I will continue praying for your complete recovery and that your life becomes a living testimony of the saving power of Jesus Christ who lives inside you.
I pray that God blesses you, indeed, and enlarges your territory. I pray that His hand would heal you completely and lead and guide you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. I pray that He would protect you from the spiritual forces of darkness that wage against your soul. And I pray that you would not be in pain. I pray these things on the authority of God’s Holy Word and in the name that is above every other name – the name of Jesus. He alone can save us from death, hell, and the grave (1 Chronicles 4:10, Psalm 23, Ephesians 6:12, Revelation 1:18).
A lesson that God has been teaching me from His Word is that God does not respond to our need. He responds to our faith. He empathizes with our need, but it is our faith that moves His hand to act on our behalf. One of my favorite books is called “God’s Creative Power” by Charles Capps. It is filled with the promises of God for those who believe, presented in the form of declarations we can claim over our lives. I have seen so many miracles in my life since applying the principles found in this book. I am sending you a copy today.
Ephesians 3:14-19 says “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
My greatest challenge is faith. I’m always feeling like it’s not strong enough.
I want my faith to be unquestionably strong. I’m not sure how to make it so. The greatest problem I have is that I was trained for 10 years to believe only half of what I see, and none of what I hear. This makes practice sense, but as a Christian this does not work.
Your guidance is appreciated! I need to strengthen my faith.
Your brother in Christ,
Erin and I would like to invite you to church tomorrow! We stream live at 9:00am and 11:00am. Free Chapel Live
I’m watching. I believe that the devil gave me MSA and is trying convince me that I don’t matter, that I can’t make a difference. He’s trying to make me eat donkey heads and dove dung. But I will keep on being spiritually full by reading scripture. I don’t know that I can fast with this illness, but I can read.
The question of faith is a big subject so I want to give you a complete response. I would highly encourage you to read the book of James. It is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I think of it as a crash course for wisdom. I recently took a lecture course through Free Chapel on the book of James and it changed my life, again.
Speaking of Free Chapel, I’m so glad you got to join us for church! Erin and I attend the Gainesville campus, which is where they live stream. Occasionally, Erin and I see ourselves on TV! LOL I’m so thankful for pastor Jentezen Franklin. I have grown closer to Jesus under his leadership than anywhere else in the world.
I believe you are right about being under spiritual and physical attack from the devil. The severity of the attack tells me that God has a very big assignment for your life. The devil does not know the future, but sometimes he knows about our assignments and will try to prevent us from being in position for God to use us. Only God knows the future. Here are some scriptures that I meditate on when I feel doubt creeping in.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11).
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Something I must always remember is that God never tempts us, but he does test us, as in a refiner’s fire, because He wants us to be Holy as He is Holy. Sometimes God allows a season of difficulty in order to increase our faith in Him and have a testimony to share with others. I believe that your compassion in helping others is what makes you so dangerous to the enemy. With the power of the Holy Spirit working inside you, you will be an unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God. I sincerely believe God has given you many spiritual gifts that you have yet to unwrap.
On that note, I’m so excited that you get to experience the book, “God’s Creative Power.” It has and continues to be transformational in the way I see myself and the world – through God’s eyes. If you can, try reading it out loud. Erin and I read declarations from that book out loud, daily. It may seem a little awkward at first, but just try it. You’ll see miracles start to happen.
Thank you for talking about faith. I know exactly how you feel. The world says “seeing is believing” but Jesus said to Thomas “because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Matthew 9:14-29 tells a story about a father who asked Jesus to heal his son, even though his condition was diagnosed as impossible to cure.
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
If we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, He promises us each a measure of faith (Romans 12:3-8), but in order for that faith to grow, we must relinquish anything that would cause us to doubt His perfect love (1 John 4:18). In Romans, we also learn that the Lord responds when we ask him to increase our faith and release our unbelief. James, who grew up in the same house as Jesus, knew him better than most. In chapter 4 he explains that “we have not because we ask not.” So, if you need a miracle, just ask! Then, believe and do not doubt. But keep in mind, sometimes miracles take time. John 9 recounts a story of a man born blind who encounters Jesus. The disciples who were there with Jesus asked him:
“Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”
I believe that the trial you are going through is simply an opportunity for the works of God to be revealed in you! Jesus healed that man because of his faith and obedience. It happened immediately because the glory of God was revealed through him in a way that would strengthen the faith of all believers who would ever read the scripture. However, sometimes miracles take time because God wants to bless as many people as possible through our miracle. The character, faith, and testimonies we develop through hardship are more valuable to Jesus and his eternal kingdom than our immediate level of comfort. That is why James goes on to say,
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
If there was only one verse I could share with you about faith, it would be Romans 10:17, which says “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Our measures of God-given faith increase as we hear and speak the Word. When I say the Word, I’m referring to anything written in the Holy Bible. Throughout scripture, we learn that there are only 3 things that exist eternally: The Word of God, the soul of man, and the perfect love of God. When we invest our time, talent, and treasure into these things, we receive the favor of God. A wise man once told me “if you want to live the most meaningful life, find out what God wants and give it to Him.” The short answer to this is personal consecration. The long answer is laboring in love for others, especially when they’ve hurt us.
This leads me to another Biblical principle that will make or break our faith: forgiveness. Through His Spirit, God has given us authority in heaven and on earth. However, there are two things that God says exclusively belong to Him – the tithe and vengeance (Malachi 3:6-12, Romans 12:19). In the matter of tithes, this is the only place in all of scripture where God tells us to test Him in order to see His abundance in our lives. He also tells us that if we withhold the tithe, we rob him and are therefore under a curse. I’ve seen some of the quickest breakthrough miracles happen when God’s people begin to tithe. In the same manner, forgiving others positions us to receive blessings and miracles from God. Unforgiveness keeps God at arms-length, numbs our sensitivity to His voice, and paralyzes our faith. If I hold unforgiveness against someone else, I only punish myself, because I’m the only one losing sleep. Forgiveness is a prerequisite for blessings and miracles from God. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).
There have been times in my life where I felt so hurt, I didn’t know if I could forgive. The way we respond in forgiveness determines the level in which God can trust us and often results in our greatest ministry. God promises that His Word will not return void. In fact, God never does anything without speaking it first and He wants us to do the same. So, when I’m tempted to withhold forgiveness, I say out loud “Lord, I forgive so and so and I pray that you bless them.” I pray this until I am persuaded to believe and not doubt. Then, the breakthrough comes. When it comes to forgiveness and blessing those who mistreat you, Proverbs 25:22 says “In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Burning coals sounds like a painful punishment unless you know the context. You see, burning coals used to be a very expensive commodity, which people could purchase from a market and then carry home in large baskets on their heads. Burning coals brought life, including the ability to cook and keep warm. God wants us to be a blessing to others, even when they hurt us, so that they can be a blessing to others. Hurt people hurt people. Blessing them breaks the cycle. When we forgive others, we position ourselves to receive blessings, often times from the same people we forgave.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 says “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Here, Paul is encouraging us to take heart when we feel we have come to our limit, because that is where God performs miracles, in our weakness. This is why hearing the voice of God requires us to humble ourselves in total dependence on Him.
I like gaining unique perspectives on Biblical teaching, so here is a short message about growing faith. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too!
God Has Allotted to Each a Measure of Faith, John Piper
God Has Allotted to Each a Measure of Faith – John Piper
I hope this was encouraging to you. Please let me know if you have any questions. Sharing my faith in Christ is my favorite subject (because it has eternal significance) so I’m always available.
Love you brother!
Reading the book of James is amazing, it covers may issues, and it gets right to the heart of issue. No guessing games here! This is likely where the phrase “short and sweet” came from. These are mighty versus. I would have enjoyed your call on James. Each verse is a lesson. I also like Jeremiah 29:11.
My season of difficulty is now upon me, at least I think so. If I am enabled to get better, I will share my testimony with others, I will deliver a strong message.
As you said I will be an ”unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God”.
You are right, this is “a spiritual gift I have yet to unwrap”.
You have helped me to look at this in a whole new light Brandon. You are doing HIS work on me. Thank you for all of this message. Everything about it is right on target. I can see it clearly.