Christ in You, March 13
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 NIV).
One of the tremendous joys of my life has been spending time with my grandchildren. They bring out the child in me. They also remind me of how inherently selfish and independent we are from an early age. What the younger grandchild is doing is suddenly what the older one needs to do immediately. All my grandchildren are fiercely independent. Some of their first words were, “Do it myself!” We foster a spirit of self-reliance in our family that is encouraged by our society. But that self-sufficient attitude can lead to loneliness and isolation if taken too far. Asking for help may be seen as a weakness. We might suffer alone when friends and family would love to share the load.
Spiritually, God tells us that Christ seeks to dwell within us. Christ is our constant companion and guide to heaven. Christ has opened the door to glory for us. He knows the way home. It is a mystery how all this takes place, but it is part of God’s promise. We are never alone. We always have an advocate and a helper at our disposal.
The cancer journey can be lonely and isolating. Others cannot possibly understand exactly what you are going through. Each person’s experience is unique, even if there are commonalities. Sharing with someone that has had a similar diagnosis can be extremely healing and helpful. Yet, they are not always there in the middle of the night. As much as community eases the pain, it can only go so far.
Christ in you is a marvelous promise that brings palpable relief wherever and whenever you are in need. Some might shun the assurance of Christ in them, for fear that He would be judgmental or condemning. That fear could not be further from the truth. Christ in us means there is hope—and not only for this life. Christ brings hope now and hope of the glory of heaven. Christ willingly died on a cross for you. He will certainly not abandon you or point a disapproving finger at you as you call upon Him. He is present as a comforter, helper, guide and so much more. “Christ in you, the hope of glory”—I love this verse and ask God to bring it to my remembrance more often.
Pray: Lord, thank You for the miracle of Your presence dwelling within me. What a comfort! May You remind me of Your promise to travel with and within me all the days of my life, until the close of the age. I love you, Lord, and ask that Your love will bring healing to my body as well as my soul. Amen.
Your Turn:
Spend a few minutes visualizing Christ within you.
Thank God for the healing He is accomplishing within you physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
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.
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