Center for Eschatological Studies | The End Times Chronicles
My Life Series
My Life: My Seventieth Birthday.
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My Life: My Seventieth Birthday.

Dr. Stephen Phinney: As I look back, I feel immense gratitude for the lessons learned and the countless memories created along the way.

SEVENTY YEARS OF TORMENT AND TRIUMPHS

I think I just hit a milestone in my life—my seventieth birthday. It’s been a journey filled with trials and blessings, each chapter adding its unique texture to the story of my life. From navigating the highs and lows, to cherishing moments of joy and overcoming challenges, every experience has shaped me into the person I am today. As I look back, I feel immense gratitude for the lessons learned and the countless memories created along the way. Here's to celebrating a life well-lived and embracing the future with hope and resilience.

It all started with me being born into a military family, a sickly child who was forced to live in a bubble. Despite these early challenges, my experiences shaped me into a resilient and determined individual. Surrounded by the discipline and structure of military life, I learned the values of perseverance and strength. While my condition kept me physically isolated, it rarely dampened my spirit or my drive to overcome obstacles. This unique beginning laid the foundation for a life filled with growth, perseverance, and immovable faith in Yeshua in the face of adversity.

My entire life has been fraught with illness, and to this day, I continue to battle heart failure and other related conditions. Despite these ongoing health challenges, I have remained resilient and determined to live life to the fullest. Each day is a testament to Christ’s strength and perseverance in me, and I am steadfast in facing every obstacle with courage and hope.

However, the level of rejection and heartache that accompanied all these trials have produced bouts of hopelessness and despair. Facing illness and constant challenges has often left me feeling overwhelmed and alone. Despite these dark moments, I am faithful to find strength within Yeshua and continue to push forward, holding on to the hope that brighter days are ahead.

My passion for Truth and Yeshua is birthed from confronting the lies I have told myself and the falsehoods I have heard from others. This journey of seeking and embracing truth has led me to a deeper relationship with Yeshua, who represents the ultimate source of wisdom and honesty. Through this process, I have found healing, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose, driven by a commitment to live a life anchored in truth and the Life of Yeshua.


I’M SUPPOSE TO BE DEAD

According to my medical practitioners, I should be dead. Despite their prognosis, I continue to defy the odds and persevere in Yeshua. Each day is a testament to my passion to live life to the fullest, serve Yeshua in ministry - regardless of the challenges I face.

In fourth grade I flatlined, a reaction from coming out of my bubble and joining the world outside of my housebound life. It was a pivotal moment that marked the journey of my struggle with living life amid my severe health challenges. This life-threatening episode highlighted the fragility of my condition and the immense bravery the Lord required to step into the world beyond the confines of my home. Despite the fear and uncertainty, it also ignited a determination within me to embrace life and its experiences, no matter the risks involved.

Today, I am faced with diagnoses such as heart failure, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, MGUS (early stages of bone marrow cancer), and a few others not worth mentioning. However, I have come to realize that most people suffer with medical conditions that are life threatening, I am not a special case.

I accept that God uses my infirmities to maintain connection and compassion with others. Through my struggles and challenges, I am able to relate to the pain and hardships of those around me. These experiences have deepened my empathy and understanding, allowing me to offer genuine support and comfort to those in need. My journey has taught me that even in weakness, there is strength, and in vulnerability, there is profound connection. It is through these shared experiences that I am able to forge meaningful relationships and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT ME

While my selfish flesh has sought rewards and acclamations, I have learned that true rewards are found on Heaven's side for faithfully responding to Yeshua from within. It is through this spiritual journey that I have come to understand the profound significance of genuine, selfless devotion. By aligning my actions with Yeshua's teachings and listening to His guidance, I have discovered a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose that rises beyond earthly recognition and praise. This realization has brought me closer to Yeshua and strengthened my commitment to living a life grounded in divine principles.

Now, at 70 years of age, I am acutely aware that the Lord is preparing me to step into eternity for the second and final stage of my life—eternity with Yeshua. This profound realization fills me with a sense of peace and anticipation as I look forward to the everlasting communion with my Savior. The journey thus far has been marked by trials, blessings, and unwavering faith, all leading me to this pivotal moment. As I prepare to embrace this divine transition, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the experiences that have shaped my earthly existence, knowing that the best is yet to come in the presence of Yeshua.

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I don't know how many miles I have left in this frail body of mine, but I am committed to making use of every moment I can for the LIFE mission of Yeshua. Each day is a precious gift, and I am determined to live it with purpose, dedication, and indwelling faith. My journey has brought me to this point, and I will continue to serve and honor Yeshua with every breath, knowing that my true reward lies in fulfilling His divine mission.

I would say Happy Birthday to myself, but I’m not happy; I’m joyful. The word “happy” evolves from the word “happenstance,” and nothing about my life came from happenstance; it was all laid out perfectly by a sovereign and well-planned God.

I encourage you to share your life story with readers. It could change a life!

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