A Friend Like Titus, September 18
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Thomas Sherrod
For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus (2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NKJV).
Sometimes I believe I have more friends than I can keep up with. Other times, I feel alone and search for a friend to call. Paul is going through a spiritual and emotional drought, as he writes in his second letter to the church at Corinth. Outside are conflicts, and inside are fears. I have been there!
An old friend saw me at the YMCA. I asked what he was doing. He said he was part of a Bible study and prayer group meeting in a conference room. He invited me to attend. I did, and have now been a member of the group for over three years. What a blessing. God sent Titus to encourage Paul. God sent my old friend to help me reconnect with other Christians.
Going through cancer treatment can be isolating. You do not feel your best. You may not have the energy to interact with people. You may want to stay in bed and pull the blinds. It might seem like too much work, answering questions and talking about things you would rather forget. Who wants to repeatedly respond to, “So, what have you been up to?” or, “How have you been doing?”
Paul was tired, worn out, stressed out, and scared. Sound familiar? God heard his cry and sent Titus, one of Paul’s disciples and close friends. It would have been easy for Paul to say, “Titus, I’m so glad you came,” and miss who had sent him. It was God who supplied Paul’s needs through Titus. Who has God sent to you in your times of need? Maybe God has reached out to you through a letter from a church member or friend. A neighbor might have mowed your yard. Groceries could have been delivered to your freezer. Someone’s phone call might have been at just the right time. God is in the business of meeting all your needs according to His riches in glory. Ask Him, if you are in need. God does provide for you. May God give you eyes to see and ears to hear how He comforts you.
Pray: Lord, You are so gracious and merciful to me. Thank You for meeting my every need. Thank You for dear friends such as Titus. Give me a grateful heart for those You send to minister to me. You are a great comforter, and I am thankful. May I also respond to Your nudges to call or visit someone You put on my heart. Amen.
Your Turn:
Give thanks for those who have been sent to comfort you.
Pay attention to promptings of the Holy Spirit to comfort others who are downcast.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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