Paul D Wolfe is a Presbyterian Pastor in Virginia, USA. When he was 28 years old and studying in Seminary he was diagnosed with dreaded cancer. This was a great trial for he and his new wife, Christy. They had been married less than a year. This book is his account of what he went through and how his understanding of the word of God challenged and helped him through it.
Having recently had a loved one going through cancer treatment this book really does consider the real trial that cancer brings into the lives of families. But it brings great comfort to the Christian that knowing who and what God is, and that he is sovereign over all things makes even cancer a trial that 'works together for good to those who love God' (Romans 8:28).
Wolfe writes:
There was a good fight to be fought, the fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and almost as soon as I was diagnosed we strapped on our boxing gloves. But we did so knowing that the outcome of that fight - whether the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat - was in the Lord's hands. We also knew that even if I lost the cancer-fight our heavenly Father would use that defeat to bring about the most thrilling victory of all: my entrance into the presence of my Saviour.
What a difference knowing the Lord makes! Whether in the trials of life or in death the Christian is blessed because of the life and death of Christ.
Wolfe writes in three sections about the diagnoses, the treatment and the aftermath. He gives his story then reflects on his experience through the teaching of scripture and gives great (though very American) illustrations and quotations from old writers like Calvin, Edwards and Dabney among others. The book is a very easy read (I read it in three sittings) with much encouragement and light for those in darkness - whatever the trial.
It really is a blessing for us all that Wolfe survived his cancer to produce this little book subtitled 'Lessons Learned Along Cancer's Dark Road.' Tolle Lege.
