Shining God's Light in Our Season of Suffering | Walter Colace

In one of the most personal and powerful messages of Spiritual Emphasis 2025, Pastor Walter Colace shares his journey through cancer, radiation, and chemotherapy — and how God used every step of suffering to shine His light more brightly. Preached directly to our Teen Challenge alumni, this is a testimony that goes beyond healing; it is a lesson in walking through the fire with the peace of God and the presence of Jesus.

 

Drawing from Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 50:10, Psalm 103:1-5, and Daniel 3, Pastor Walter speaks candidly about fear, faith, and the supernatural peace that sustained him:

“Ever since I came to Teen Challenge almost 34 years ago, God has had my life in His hands.”

“When there was no answer from doctors, I leaned on God’s Word.”

“You say, 'You're a puzzle to us.' No, I'm a miracle because Jesus is my healer.”

Even as he sat in the darkest rooms of the cancer center, Pastor Walter carried a radiant hope and used every moment to share Christ with patients, nurses, and even his oncologist. When doctors said he would lose his ability to eat, speak, or avoid a feeding tube, the Lord sustained him with energy, healing, and boldness to pray for others.

“Suffering will always squeeze out of you who you really are. And when the pressure came, Jesus came out.”

This message reminds us that suffering is not the end of the story. Just as God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), Pastor Walter reminds us:

“They said I would burn, but God said, ‘I’ll shield you from the effects.’”

At the core of this message is the unshakable truth that the light of Christ shines brightest in our darkest seasons.

“God puts a comma where Satan tries to put a period. The story isn’t over.”

If you or someone you know is walking through a season of pain, trial, or uncertainty, let this message give you fresh faith. God is not finished with you. His light will break through.

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