At the threshold of this New Year, people everywhere are concerned. Escalating political, economic, and social unrest have caused many, even believers, to become perplexed and fearful about the future. Jesus warned us that before His return, perilous times would come. But thank God, He has provided a way for us to not only survive but even thrive during the most difficult of times. Allow me to illustrate.

Steve Hill gives new meaning to the term spiritual warrior.

Perhaps best known as the evangelist for the Brownsville revival in Pensacola, Fla., Hill battled melanoma for more than three years—and he refused to give up despite what sounded like death knocking at his door. Now, he’s preparing to run back to the battle line with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Steve Hill Ministries’ staff in June called for 48 hours of focused prayer and fasting on behalf of the evangelist who founded Heartland Church in Las Colinas, Texas, after the battle for his life intensified. What the staff didn’t tell the world at that time was that doctors had given him three days to live.

When Steve first asked me to write to our partners this month, countless thoughts raced through my mind. There’s so much I could share. Perhaps one of these days I’ll write a book about this journey Steve and I have traveled together while battling melanoma. So often, God uses the difficult places we go through in life to help others.

Steve and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we’ve received from the family of God during this difficult time. So many times a card, a prayer, a financial gift, a meal, or some other blessing has come just when we needed it. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

As you know, the past few years have been tough for our family. At times, the stress, the emotional ups and downs, and the physical exhaustion caused by sleepless nights have been almost more than I could bear. Have you ever been there?

A man from Jerusalem emailed our office the other day, sharing that he and his family have been praying for me. He said, "I had a dream a year ago where Steve came up to me, grabbed me on the shoulders, and with intensity said, 'DON'T STOP PRAYING FOR ME!' So from that point on, we've prayed constantly for Steve, BELIEVING he would live..."
 

We’ve all experienced situations we felt powerless to change. Those who know me, know that I’ve always been a person of action who gets things done. Needless to say, this season of my life where I am physically unable to preach the Gospel because of my heath has been difficult for me to say the least. The Apostle Paul found himself in dire circumstances he couldn’t change. Because of his obedience to preach the Gospel, he ended up in prison, unable to do the very thing God had called him to do. Look at what he had to say about his situation: