But God Can, March 22
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires’” (Genesis 41:16 NIV).
The Scripture tells us God opposes the proud and that pride goes before a fall. But who doesn’t love to receive praise? Joseph has a gift of interpreting dreams. The Pharaoh learns of his ability and calls him to the king’s private chambers. The king flatters Joseph, saying that no one in his kingdom has been able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. The king appeals to Joseph’s pride, commenting that he has heard that he is the only one who can interpret the dreams.
Joseph’s response is the heart of a healthy relationship with God and others. He says that he cannot interpret the dream—but God can. Sounds like a simple statement. But how difficult is it to refuse a pat on the back, especially from one in authority, and give praise to God? Someone may think we are being too pious.
Joseph knew his gift was from God. Without God, he could not fulfill the king’s request. Cancer presents you with challenges that only God can handle. You may be asking, “How am I going to handle this?” You may hear people say, “I beat cancer.” It sounds impressive! You are happy for the victory. But there is a lingering sense of uneasiness with the gloating. You may question, “Was it really all you?”
Cancer is a foe you cannot defeat by yourself on your best day—but God can. God may eliminate the cancer from your body. Or God may give you the ability to overcome a defeatist attitude or depression. You may be irritated by constantly being asked, “How are you doing?” What would it be like to respond, “I’m struggling, but I know God’s got this.”
Being honest about your weakness is an opportunity to display God’s strength. Saint Paul testifies, “for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10b NIV). Like Paul, you might choose to let your feelings of inadequacy remind you to rely on God’s infinite strength. It is extremely difficult to lean on God’s help when society pats you on the back for being self-reliant. But you walk a slippery slope waiting for an avalanche by leaning on your own resources. Jesus’ words, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b NIV) are a blunt and sobering reminder of our utter dependence on God. With God, all things are possible. God’s got this!
Pray: Lord, help me let go of the temptation to accept false praise and fall into the bottomless pit of pride. Remind me of my complete reliance on You—even when the Pharaoh pats me on the back. Instill within me the grace to point people to You, the source of my strength and help. Amen.
Your Turn:
Ask God to remind you that prayer is the first resort, not the last.
Ask God for help seeing personal compliments as opportunities to witness about your dependence upon God.
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.
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.
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