For the Glory of God, October 14
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By David Gira
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4 NIV).
We see God’s glory in a breathtaking sunrise or a sunset. As the woman you are about to marry walks down the aisle toward you, dressed in her beautiful wedding gown. At the birth of a child and the surreal moment your eyes first meet. In these kinds of moments, God’s glory is hard to miss. But seeing God’s glory in sickness and death; well, that is harder.
Jesus received word that His beloved friend Lazarus had fallen extremely ill. Instead of rushing home as His disciples expected, Jesus waited two more days before going. Knowing they didn’t understand His lack of urgency, Jesus tells them, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).
By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead and in the tomb for four days. His devastated sisters cry out to Jesus, “If you had only been here, my brother would still be alive!” (John 11:21, 32 NIV). Feeling their pain, even “Jesus wept” (v. 35).
Calmly, Jesus assures them their brother will live. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (v. 25). “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (v. 40). With that, Jesus calls Lazarus to come out of the tomb, and he does, fully alive.
Lazarus’ experience shows us how we can see God’s glory even in our sickness and death.
First, we see Jesus’ power over death. Those who believe in Jesus will live forever, whether they live or die. Even if cancer ravages your body and takes your life, you will live. This sickness will not end in death. Jesus will come and take you to His Father’s heavenly house and show you to the room He prepared for you in Paradise!
Second, we see that there is no limit to Jesus’ healing power. He healed Lazarus’ terminal illness while he was dead in the tomb. He came out alive and well. With God it is never too late for healing, and nothing is impossible (see Luke 1:37). Stage four can become stage zero! Cancer can be controlled and conquered. Miracles still happen. In fact, Lazarus isn’t the only person Jesus brought back to life!
If physical healing isn’t God’s will, healing will come in many other ways. Most importantly, all who believe in Jesus will experience their ultimate healing through the gift of eternal life.
Pray: Lord, show me Your glory in my cancer journey, in Your power over sickness and death. Amen.
Your Turn: Play a song or hymn that is about God’s glory and allow it to lift your eyes to Him. Here are a couple that I like:
· “All Glory” by Matt Redman
· “Show Me Your Glory” by Third Day
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 seven-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.
