Without a doubt, one of the greatest challenges that Peter has ever faced, was a call from his doctor informing him that a biopsy on a seemingly harmless tumour had resulted in a positive reading for a rare and very aggressive form of cancer. In fact, so aggressive was this form of the disease, that the physician cautioned him to leave immediately for the cancer centre 2-hours from his home. The 5-stage treatment process of chemotherapy soon began... but wouldn’t you know it, God was once again at work in Peter’s life and in his body.

Peter responded so well to the chemotherapy that the tumour completely disappeared in a matter of three days. What’s more, he had no adverse side-affects to the very aggressive chemo treatments. The medical staff eventually brought in an exercise bike to Peter’s room because he had so much energy during his lengthy treatment...

Peter recalls, “It was apparent now to any observer that something extraordinary was taking place in my case, and all the time I was eager to point to Jesus as the one answering prayer, even though I, myself, really could not explain exactly how that works. The longer I progressed without side effects, the more and more others began to acknowledge that God was at work.”

A few weeks later, after three more rounds of chemo, and an entire army of ministry partners interceding for his healing, all signs of cancer were gone.

“Evangeline and I went downstairs together to ring the ‘Total remission bell’ Peter remembers. “It was a very emotional moment indeed, and I took the wooden club provided and struck the bell so hard that it nearly burst our eardrums! Through the ear-splitting noise, with a broad smile I said to her, ‘This is the sound of life!’”

Shortly thereafter, during a follow-up visit with the head of the medical team at the hospital, she looked over all of Peter’s records, turned to him and said “Your case has exceeded all our medical expectations!”

Questions:

1 At the conclusion of Ephesians 3, Paul speaks about knowing the love of Christ that “surpasses knowledge.” How can we make sense of this paradox in light of God’s amazing love? How was this true in Peter’s story?

2 Peter’s doctor noted that his case “Exceeded all of our medical expectations!” How does this correspond with Paul’s description of God’s power in Ephesians 3:20? Has God ever exceeded your expectations?

3 Throughout his process of healing Peter noted how he could not exactly explain how Jesus was at work, although he knew that He was. In Colossians 1:24-29 Paul talks about the “mystery of the ages.” What is this mystery and how does it help explain what was happening in Peter?

4 Has God ever blessed you in a way that exceeded your expectations? If yes, how did this impact your faith in God for the future? If not, then how does Peter’s story and Colossians 1:24-29 give you hope?

Ephesians 3: 14 - 21

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

Colossians 1: 24-29

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.