Don’t Give Up! May 25
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Karen Wonders
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
Sarah was thirty-eight years old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She had three children—her youngest, just two years old. For more than a year, Sarah fought. She patiently endured surgery, sixteen rounds of chemotherapy, and seven weeks of radiation. Through it all, Sarah had an amazing support system behind her. Family and friends from across the country counted down each treatment. Neighbors brought her meals and offered up babysitting and play dates with her children. When she was unable to work, fundraisers helped cushion her expenses. When Sarah went into remission, a huge party was thrown to celebrate.
Three weeks after being pronounced “cancer free,” Sarah noticed a lump under her arm. Her oncologist quickly assured her that it was likely just scar tissue, but agreed to monitor it for a few weeks. Four weeks later, a suspicious ultrasound on the area led to a biopsy. Days later, Sarah learned that her cancer had returned.
Sarah felt defeated. It was almost as if the wind was knocked out of her. She had already beat cancer once, but she didn’t know if she could do it again. She worried that her family and friends would grow tired of supporting her. She feared that she wouldn’t get to see her children grow up. She longed for the days before her diagnosis. She was tired and angry. She felt utterly alone.
How do you go on fighting when all hope seems lost?
God’s Word instructs us to prayerfully ask for endurance when we are faced with a hard situation. He will renew our strength for the task set before us. Sometimes the journey is hard and we feel discouraged. God does not diminish our struggles. He knows the toll they take on us. He knows the cost. Yet God encourages us to press on. By clinging to His promises, we will endure. Our faith must be bigger than our fear. As Sarah discovered, when all hope seems lost, we must turn to the author and perfector of our faith. He promises a harvest of blessings to those who endure!
Pray: Father God, You are with us in everything we do. You know every detail of our lives. You know what lies behind us, and what we will face tomorrow, and You have promised to work all things for good. Help us to trust You when the road seems hard. Help us not to lose hope, but to cling to You and stand on Your promises. You are faithful! Help our faith to be bigger than our fear. Help us to endure! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Where are you feeling defeated? Pray and ask God for faith to endure.
Karen Y. Wonders, PhD, FACSM, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, and Professor/Program Director of Exercise Physiology at Wright State University. Her passion is to advocate for exercise as part of the national standard of care for cancer. Her non-profit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors every month (www.mapletreecanceralliance.org). Dr. Wonders and her husband have 7 children—aged 16 and younger. If you think her hands are full, you should see her heart!
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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