Cancer is an Opportunity, November 10
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Sharon D. Ware
Now when he was in affliction, he sought the face of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him. And the Lord received his entreaty, heard his cry, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his Kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13 OSB).
Many religious scholars would agree that Manasseh began his reign as an evil king and ended up not just a good king, but a king who brought God back to his entire nation. What led to this radical change? A devastating affliction. In the middle of his reign, the Assyrian army took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. (See 2 Chronicles 33:11.) God used the Assyrian army to give Manasseh an opportunity to reflect on his life and begin to seek God. This affliction caused Manasseh to consider his evil ways and to turn to the God of his father. He became a wiser person as he used the experience to humble himself, seek the Lord and change his life. It takes a lot for a proud and powerful leader to take on a self-effacing demeanor. Manasseh had to recognize that there are some things he had no power over.
God does not use cancer to punish us. We do not get cancer because we are bad people. Cancer comes to both good and evil people and is part of the effects of living in a broken world. However, cancer can cause us to slow down and reevaluate our lives. Cancer is an opportunity to consider what is and what is not important.
During a cancer diagnosis we have an opportunity to learn and grow as individuals, but the choice is always our own. God does not make you seek Him, but in seeking Him you can learn so very much. Moreover, in seeking God, you begin to experience His graciousness and abundant love.
As we live our lives, we are working out our soul’s salvation, as God works out His good purposes in us. (See Philippians 2:12-13.) Manasseh had done many terrible things during his early reign as king, including having innocent people slain. The mercy of God leads us to repentance. When we repent, God will forgive our offenses and restore us. This restoration does not necessarily mean that evil doings are vanished away. In the case of Manasseh, he amended his wrong-doing and made restitution by taking down the idols his entire nation had worshiped instead of depending on the Lord our God. As a great leader, though, his uppermost act was to command his nation to serve the Lord God of Israel. (See 2 Chronicles 33:16.) Thankfully, Manasseh seized the opportunity of his affliction and spent the remaining part of his life as a good king.
When we face difficulties in life, may we choose to live them as opportunities to grow through our faithful Lord’s presence and grace. Like Manasseh, may we humbly seek His face. Like Manasseh, may we—and those around us—be blessed because of His good work in our lives, especially through the hard times.
Pray: Father God, help me to see things that I need to make right. Help me to repent of all my transgressions and forgive me for things done in knowledge as well as those things done in ignorance. Lord, teach me to do only that which pleases You. As I seek You, I am confident You will be found. Amen.
Your Turn: Are there things in your life that need amendment or change? This is a perfect time to do so as you seek the Lord your God.
Sharon D. Ware, EdD, MSN, MA, RN, CCHC-C, Cancer Survivor
Sharon is an Eastern Orthodox Christian. She retired in 2015 from nursing when she was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer and given a few months to live. Her life was turned upside down. She underwent chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Cancer Companions, along with her faith in the Lord, allowed her to cope with her new normal. Sharon is still receiving chemotherapy seven years later and believes her ultimate victory is trusting in God.
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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