CDGPressingon: resting in the wrestle……

On By tcgiles

I find it interesting that the word “REST” is incorporated in the word “WRESTLE”. One word represents complete repose or respite. The other word imply some sort of physical activity in which there is no rest. In Genesis 32 there is the story of Jacob wrestling with a heavenly being—an Angel of God, or God himself. Jacob continued this wrestling match all night just to be blessed. He was persistent. God encourages persistence in all areas of our lives, including the spiritual. Where in your spiritual life do you need more persistence? Strong character develops as we struggle through tough conditions. This is where Jacobs persistence paid off. He would not let the heavenly being go until it blessed him and his family.

In the end, Jacob does what we all must do. He confronts his failures, his weaknesses, his sins, all the things that are hurting him . . . and faces God. Jacob wrestled with God all night. It was an exhausting struggle that left him crippled. It was only after he came to grips with God and ceased his struggling, realizing that he could not go on without Him, that he received God’s blessing (Genesis 32:29). 

What we learn from this remarkable incident in the life of Jacob is that our lives are never meant to be easy. This is especially true when we take it upon ourselves to wrestle with God and His will for our lives. We also learn that as Christians, despite our trials and tribulations, our strivings in this life are never devoid of God’s presence, and His blessing inevitably follows the struggle, which can sometimes be messy and chaotic. Real growth experiences always involve struggle and pain. It’s in Jacob’s story we can easily recognize our own elements of struggle: fears, darkness, loneliness, vulnerabilities, empty feelings of powerlessness, exhaustion and relentless pain. 

I know this has been true for me. I have experienced tremendous growth personally and spiritually since being diagnosed with stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma. Fighting cancer is not for the “weak of heart”. My experience has been one of total faith in God. I don’t believe I could fight this disease without the saving grace of Christ and my persistence of looking to him and his word to guide me every step of this journey. I believe God wants me to be well. Also, I believe Satan (who rules this physical world) wants to steal, kill, and destroy. My vision has gone from an Earthly one and all its materialistic trappings to a supernatural one. In my opinion, the things of God should far outweigh the things of man and we need to grasp the saving grace of Jesus Christ in our life so that we can live a blessed life and live on into eternity with our Lord.

Frankly, I’ve been going thru another health setback. I have a fractured 7th rib which was the result of radiation treatments to that specific rib. There is disease there and we wanted to kill any future growth. The problem is that the fractured rib isn’t really healing because there are holes in it due to the disease and treatment. But, I could always live with it as the pain level was always under 4 or 5. That is until I contracted Bronchitis. Have you ever injured a rib then tried NOT to laugh or cough due to the extreme pain it causes? The excessive coughing exacerbated the pain in the rib so much I could hardly standup. In fact, I found (and continue to find) I have to sit down often to alleviate the pain. I am now able to do more things thanks to a ZEE pack and additional rest.

I had two scans on December 14–bone and C.T. The good news is that there has been no or very little growth of disease since August. There is still the rib issue and a slight growth in the C3-4. I COUNT MY BLESSINGS and thank God for these results. The next step in my treatment is stem cell vaccines. This is where they take new born stem cells (live birth Mothers consent as never would I accept aborted baby cells as I stand against abortion) and combine them with my cells. Then, they create a vaccine to inject in me over a 6-8 week period. Currently, I am taking IV C and Myers Cocktails (the medical type :->) to boost my immune system and prepare it for the vaccines. The goal here is to make is so my body cannot grow circulating tumors making my body “tumor proof” in a sense.

The problem is that I cannot take the vaccines until my body is fully recovered and my white blood cell count improves. So, I need your prayers to get me to a point I can take the vaccines.

In all of this my hope continues to be in the Lord even if I don’t see the manifestation of my healing here on Earth. Because of what Christ did for us on the cross and the fact I submit my will to the Lord as my Savior I will spend eternity with the Lord in Heaven!! But, hold the phones, I am not throwing in the towel. As Willy Jolly the inspirational speakers says, “A setback is a setup for a comeback”. My HOPE springs eternal in Christ!!

The following is what I need prayer for:

1. Pray my white blood count goes up to above normal levels.

2. Pray that I would never come to the point of being so frustrated with all these setbacks that I want to give in and give up—I come against giving up in Jesus name.

3. Pray that my healing would manifest here on Earth—miracles and wonders still today. Never forget that.

4. Pray that God would use me in a MIGHTY way. I yearn to see as many people as possible give their life to Christ so that they can experience GLORY!!

I thought that it would be appropriate to end my blog by listing a few of my favorite scripture. They are as follows:

John 14:6, Jesus said to them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Psalms 92:12, The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:1, There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

I thank you for your prayers and support. As always, feel free to contact me should you have any comments or questions regarding my blog. If there is anything I can do for you I would love to help in anyway. Just call or email me. I would love to share with you the natural things I am doing to beat this disease as well as to pray for any of your needs.

All my love and concern,

Craig, aka Papa G

Tcgiles@hotmail.com

612.804.5630

38 thoughts on “CDGPressingon: resting in the wrestle……”

  1. tammy brooks

    Craig and Terry Sending love and prayers to you both!! I love seeing pictures of your beautiful family!! You two are so blessed and lucky with kids and grandkids. My daughter is due in 15 days. A little boy!! I can hardly wait! Are you still being treated at Woodwinds?? A hug to you both! Tammy

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  2. Barbara

    Many many prayers being offered to you and Terry. Craig you are an inspiration to so many people, most of all me. Keep fighting the fight you know who to trust. You have given so much to so many.

    Barbara

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  3. Dana Weeks

    You have my commitment to pray for your requests. I sure don’t understand suffering and I am so sorry for all you have had to endure. You are an amazing man and your faith is so inspiring. God bless you Craig!

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  5. Kay Jensen

    Craig,

    Just said a prayer and will do it again everyday. You continue to inspire and I am so frustrated that you have to go through all of this. Thank you for another message – you are an incredible example of perserverance and not taking us on your journey.

    I hope and continue to pray your white blood cell count expands like the snowhills in winter. Whenever I see snow and new flakes it will be time for a prayer

    Still not really behaving,

    Kay

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  6. Kay Jensen

    Craig,

    Just said a prayer and will do it again everyday. You continue to inspire and I am so frustrated that you have to go through all of this. Thank you for another message – you are an incredible example of perserverance and not taking us on your journey.

    I hope and continue to pray your white blood cell count expands like the snowhills in winter. Whenever I see snow and new flakes it will be time for a prayer

    Still not really behaving,

    Kay

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  8. Continued prayers for YOU, Craig Giles … in keeping with your requests:
    1. White blood cell count.
    2. Never give up!
    3. Healing on Earth.
    4. That GOD would use you.

    #4 has already been answered … PTL!
    John 14:6 is one of my favorites as well 🙂

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  9. afvcmah

    I always find it interesting that the Lord starts pressing me to pray for you more and then I hear from you!!! Wow!!! The update was very welcome and your needs will be written in my prayer journal. I loved the rest/wrestle. I had not noticed that before. Our granddaughter is going through some struggles and I will share that. I cannot imagine the pain with bronchitis. God has given you strength beyond measure and I will continue to pray for that. You are building a legacy for all of us who know you and who will follow. “May all who come behind me find me faithful…May the fire of my devotion light their way…May the footprints that I leave, lead them to believe, and the life I live inspire them to obey…” Steve Green. Thank you for being transparent. Loving you through Jesus – Ken and Marcia Hansen

    Sent from my iPhone

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    1. Hi Marsha and Ken. I hope life is treating you well. Thanks for replying and for your encouraging words. There are times in this journey that I feel alone. These words give me strength. PTL! Blessings in 2019!

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  10. Jeff and Mary Kay Laskowsky

    You are in our prayers and you must stay strong when the answer is so close. I truly believe stem cells are going to be the cure for so many conditions including our son Ryan’ s blood disorder. Praying your white blood cells rise quickly so you have this opportunity to be cured!! God keeps giving you new answers, keep listening!

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  12. Susannah

    As always, my prayers are with you and your family. You are fighting such a hard battle and your fight astounds me! It also inspires me. You are an amazing man and the faith that you and your family have is just amazing to me too! I always feel I should reach out to you but never want to bother you. So, continue to get better, fight the battle and enjoy time with your family!!

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  13. Mark Blaylock

    Hi Craig,

    Im so inspired to read your spiritual trust in the Lord.

    The Lord will heal you and he always has his arms and love surrounding you and your family!

    Take care and God Bless!

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  14. Bob Colucci

    Craig,
    Pam just asked we if I had a recent update on your health yesterday! You have been in our thoughts and prayers and this will continue. Not sure if you know, but Pam has been fighting breast cancer the past 20 or so months. She is doing well now, but had a tough time with both the chemo and radiation. We both know the power of both our faith and prayers. You have been an inspiration to all that know you and I know you will continue to fight this battle! All our best, Bob and Pam

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    1. Hey Bob! Great
      To hear from you. I am so sorry to hear about PAM. But, I’m so glad she is doing well now. We will lift her up in prayer always! I hope you are enjoying your retirement Bob. Thanks for your friendship and support all these years. Blessings to you, Pam, and the fam! Craig

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  15. Craig,
    I am so inspired by your blog and how strong in faith you are… I will keep you and your family in my prayer’s and I will also put you on our prayer list at Lady Star Catholic church in Ponte Vedra beach Florida. Thank you for sharing and reminding us how lucky we are each and everyday…..

    Many blessings,
    Lourdes Saenz

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  17. Ron Schlotzhauer

    Craig, your faith and fight to conquer this illness is amazing. I have followed it through several mutual friends and know it has been a long battle. I will surely have you and your amazing family in my prayers. Your words inspire me!

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  18. Cathy Lundgren

    Dear Craig,

    Thanks…for checking in again & filling us in ! So sorry for the delayed response-I started this and forgot to send 🤔 And so… sorry to hear about the return of Bronchitis…& so much pain in the rib😢 We have been praying & will continue to do so 🙏💝🙏💝🙏💝

    I will ask my Holistic sister if there is anything to boost your white blood cells???

    Again …we are so sorry for all your suffering…and PRAY FOR MIRACLES along side you!!!

    STAY STRONG…AND DON’T GIVE UP!!!!

    Love and prayers to Terry and you ( hope she is feeling better as well!!!)

    The Lundgrens, Paul, Cathy, & Hannah 💝💞🙏

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  19. Terry King

    Craig. I was sent your blog through our financial advisor Joseph. Reading through it has been encouraging and uplifting as I’ve read your love for our Savior. I will pray that your WBC improves and your immune system boosted so you will be able to take the vaccines. I was interested in the stem cell vaccine as I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. I am waiting to hear from the U of M for an evaluation for stem cell transplant. We have recently moved from I Falls to Blaine to be closer to our 3 daughters and 2 grandkids. God knew! My Myeloma is considered smoldering and not active so I am currently not taking any treatment. Thank you for being such a testimony and witness for everyone of us with illness. I will be praying for you and your family and ask for your prayers as well. I would also be interested in knowing what else you have done concerning diet etc. In Christ’s love. Terry King PS Funny your wife and I have the same name. I haven’t met many women whose name is spelled with a Y!

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    1. Hi Terry!

      Thanks for your comments and for sharing your story. I will be happy to chat with you regarding my experience with treatments and what I’ve done to stay as well as possible.
      My email is tcgiles@hotmail.com and cell 612.804.5630.

      Contact me anytime.

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