Faith and Vision With Christ Along the Way

This week on the show, I got to speak with Andrew Van Noy. A successful entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and devoted family man, Andrew's life shows the transformative power of faith in the face of adversity. As the founder and CEO of Deep Power, former CEO of a publicly traded company, and operator of a cancer research company called Cancer Vax, Andrew has achieved remarkable success in the business world. However, it's his spiritual journey and unwavering faith that truly set him apart.

Growing up, Andrew faced significant challenges that could have potentially ended his life. Diagnosed with cancer at just 17 months old, he lost an eye to the disease – an experience that would shape his perception of the world and his relationship with God for years to come. Yet, what began as a perceived weakness ultimately became the cornerstone of his spiritual strength and a powerful tool for sharing his faith with others.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the moments of spiritual awakening that defined his path, including a miraculous experience in the Sacred Grove and a life-altering health scare that redefined his purpose. Through Andrew's unique perspective on vision – both physical and spiritual – we'll gain profound insights into living a purposeful life guided by faith.

Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on choosing to develop faith in the face of struggles, understanding that while we may not always comprehend the reasons behind our trials, by choosing to follow Christ, we can become more than we ever thought possible.

Embracing the Unexpected

When faced with life-altering challenges, it's natural to question why we must endure such difficulties. For Andrew Van Noy, losing an eye to cancer as a child could have been a source of bitterness and resentment. Instead, it became the conduit for a spiritual journey that would shape his entire life.

As a child, Andrew struggled with the visible difference that set him apart from his peers. A pivotal moment came when he stumbled upon a scripture in the Bible that would forever change his perspective.

The passage spoke of a man born blind, not as a punishment for sin, but so that the works of God could be displayed in his life. This revelation opened Andrew's eyes to the possibility that his own challenge wasn't a curse but a blessing in disguise – a means through which God's glory could be manifested. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of Andrew's journey to transform his perceived weakness into a source of strength and spiritual insight.

Developing Spiritual Vision

As Andrew grew older, he began to recognize that his unique experience had granted him a different kind of vision – one that went beyond physical sight. This spiritual vision allowed him to see people and situations from a perspective that many others missed.

One of the most profound realizations came during a mission experience, where Andrew encountered a scripture about having one's eye "single to the glory of God." For someone with only one eye, this passage took on a deeply personal meaning. It reinforced the idea that his physical limitation could be a spiritual advantage, allowing him to focus more intently on what truly mattered.

This newfound spiritual vision manifested in various ways throughout Andrew's life. He developed a keen sense of empathy and compassion for others, particularly those facing their own challenges. His ability to see beyond surface-level appearances and recognize the inherent worth of each individual as a child of God became a powerful tool in his personal and professional life.

Faith in Times of Crisis

Andrew's faith was challenged when he faced a potential health crisis that threatened the vision in his remaining eye. Andrew suddenly found himself grappling with the possibility of complete blindness.

This forced Andrew to confront his deepest fears and reassess his priorities. In the face of potentially losing his sight, material success and professional achievements paled in comparison to the things that truly mattered – his faith, family, and ability to make a positive impact on the world.

Through fervent prayer and unwavering faith, Andrew navigated this challenging period. The experience not only strengthened his relationship with God but also clarified his life's purpose. It led him to refocus his career on endeavors that could make a significant difference in people's lives, such as sustainable energy and cancer research. This period of crisis became a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith in action.

Trust in God as You Choose to Keep Moving

Andrew Van Noy's story reminds us that our greatest challenges often hold the key to our most profound growth and purpose. By choosing to develop our faith in the face of struggles, we open ourselves to transformative experiences that can shape not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

As you reflect on Andrew's journey, consider the challenges in your own life. How could you view them differently? What perceived weaknesses could you transform into strengths?

Take a moment to identify one area of your life where you can put your faith into action. Perhaps it's a long-standing insecurity, a professional challenge, or a personal relationship that needs healing. Commit to approaching this area with renewed faith, trusting that God can work through your circumstances to manifest His glory.

Your experiences with faith are unique and ongoing. Like Andrew, you have the power to choose how you respond to life's trials. By placing your faith in God's hands and remaining open to His guidance, you can transform your greatest challenges into your most powerful faith-building experiences.

Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.