By My Spirit, October 9
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Thomas Sherrod
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6 NIV).
In retirement, part of my day is spent as a community liaison to area service agencies. I received a referral for help in locating and purchasing a wheelchair transport trailer for a man with muscular dystrophy. The trailers are expensive. My wife suggested looking at Facebook Marketplace. We searched the website and found a perfect trailer for one-fifth the price of a new one. Two churches willingly volunteered to contribute to the need. The trailer was purchased and attached to his vehicle. I stood in awe at how God supplied this man’s need. It was not by my might or wisdom. It was definitely by the Spirit of God.
Today’s scripture is another example of how God provides for His people. The temple built by Solomon lay in ruins. Through the king of Persia, God appointed Zerubbabel to be the governor of Judah, assigning him the task of rebuilding the temple. Through the prophet Zechariah, he was told the temple reconstruction would be by God’s Spirit, not by human craftiness or brute force. Although the project took many decades, it happened by the power of God and in His time. In a world that elevates human achievement, this scripture reminds me that I am a participant in God’s ongoing story of redemption.
Both stories illustrate how God provides for us in seemingly impossible situations. Cancer often introduces obstacles that seem insurmountable. Therapies that eradicate cancer cells also destroy healthy cells. The recuperation and healing process can be long and arduous. God does not expect you to combat the disease by yourself. Although friends and loved ones are a wonderful support, their resources are limited. However, God’s Spirit is inexhaustible. His mercies are fresh every morning. His Spirit is shepherding and providing for you. It may be taking longer than you expected, but God’s Spirit is orchestrating the process, and is still the master architect of your life. By His Spirit, you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you. (See Romans 8:37.)
Pray: Lord, help me to trust in Your plan for my life. Help me to know You are in control. Let me rest in the assurance of Your timing. I thank You that You hold my life in the palm of Your gracious and loving hands. Renew my spirit by Your Spirit that only seeks good for me. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to place the promise in your heart that it is by His Spirit that all things are made new. Rejoice in the security that God’s hand undergirds your life now and forever in Christ.
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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