A Man of Sorrows and Acquainted with Grief, January 4
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
If you find this devotional inspiring please consider making a donation so we can continue to create powerful devotions for all those impacted by cancer.
Written by Thomas Sherrod
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3 ESV).
My high school sweetheart and I were drawn together by the shared experience of losing a parent at an early age. It is difficult to explain to another what a specific grief feels like unless they have suffered a similar loss. There is an immediate bond that forms between people who have a shared pain. People who have heard the words, “you have cancer” have an emotional connection with others who have heard those life-altering words. The type of cancer may be different, but the spiritual shift that takes place after hearing those unwanted words affects the cancer patient in ways only they can understand. Yet even with this connection, can anyone really understand your personal struggle with cancer?
Cancer is something that happens to someone else, right? You know cancer is prevalent and you know other people who have “it.” But it is different when the arrow is pointed at you. You may feel like your body has betrayed you. You may retreat into a space of denial. You may rage at the unfairness of it. You may feel a resolve to “fight this thing” with all you have. You may call upon your faith, or question God as to why this has happened. Despite all the similarities, every cancer struggle is different. This feeling of isolation or being alone is one of the hardest things about receiving a cancer diagnosis. You may say, “Am I the only one who feels this way?” You may search for someone who has walked the same road.
The good news is that you are not alone. God is not only aware of, but He is also well-acquainted with your situation. Today’s verse reveals our Savior as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Since He Himself suffered while here on Earth, He understands your suffering. He is God and knows all things, so He also knows exactly what you are going through. He knows and He understands!
A personal God of compassion does not placate us, saying, “It will be all right,” but is present with us, walking with us through our cancer journey. It is no coincidence that the meaning of compassion is “to suffer with.” Thank God we have a Savior who loves us, suffers with us, and will walk with us. May God open our hearts to receive His healing and comforting presence. May God assure us that He is in the boat with us, cares for us, and can calm the storm.
Pray: Jesus, please give me the assurance of Your presence in the midst of my cancer journey. Remind me that You are acquainted with my sorrow and grief, and that You are my faithful companion through every moment of every day. Help me to know and trust Your presence. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Choose something to be a reminder of God’s steadfast, compassionate presence with you, and keep it where you will see it often.
Thomas 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.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
