Encore! Encore! Encore!, September 3
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by David Gira
Yes, he did mighty miracles and we are overjoyed! Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory! May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again (Psalm 126:3-4 TPT).
“No evidence of disease,” my oncologist said with a smile. “The cancer is gone!”
After a year and a half of cancer treatment, God had answered our prayers. The chemo and radiation had worked. God had healed me. “Thank you, God!” “Glory to God!”
Life without cancer—how fantastic! Time with family and friends. Trips and vacations. Resting and relaxing. Lounging by the pool. Pondering what to do with my life now.
A few months later, after a routine CT scan and MRI, my oncologist called. The MRI showed fifty tumors, each the size of a pencil’s tip, spread across my brain. I needed to begin radiation immediately.
I felt crushed. I always knew it could come back, but I really didn’t think it would. I had walked by faith. I believe God had healed me. But now, cancer 2.0? Start all over again? What would I tell everyone? What would I do now?
The story of God’s people is one of broken hearts and enduring hope. These words from Psalm 30 are emblematic of their history of suffering and salvation: “Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b WEB).
Their greatest disappointment centered on the Promised Land. Around 2,000 BC, God promised Abraham and his descendants a land flowing with milk and honey. It took the Israelites 600 years, including 430 years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, before they finally arrived. 680 years later, a stronger nation destroyed their country, including Jerusalem and the Temple, and forced most Israelites into exile in foreign countries to live and serve for the next 144 years or longer.
Despite the exiles’ disappointment and suffering, they continued to worship and pray. Many of the psalms (prayers) written during that time are angry laments, but in them we also find praise for God’s marvelous works. Some psalms are the prayers of exiles who have returned home. They praise God and pray for those who are not yet free, or are on their way. This beautiful example is from Psalm 126:5-6, TPT:
Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee.
They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow,
but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!
The God of our exiled ancestors is the same God we worship. But as Christians, our hope exceeds theirs. A few hundred years after the exiles’ return, God sent the world His Son, Jesus. The Bible records His message of love, miracles of healing, His promises, and more—He died to free us from sin and death. We also have the testimonies of Jesus working in the lives of others, as well as our own.
When results disappoint, when recurrences and progression occur, and options run out, we can remember everything God has done and continue to praise, trust, and hope. God will amaze you again!
Pray: Lord, I praise and trust You. You have cast out cancer before, and I believe You can do it again. If I must live with this disease, give me sufficient grace to do so faithfully. Help me trust You to heal me in whatever ways You desire. Make me more aware of Your presence. Show me Your wonderful works in my life once again. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to Elevation Worship’s “Do it Again.” Join in their praise and worship. Give God a standing ovation.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
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.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
