Freedom From Worry, July 31
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by Ashley Taylor
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7 NIV).
I grew up in the small town of Salisbury, North Carolina, surrounded by lots of family. In addition to our parents, my brother and I had both sets of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins close by. We gathered, played, laughed, argued, and cried together. Most importantly, we were there for each other.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, my mom did not hesitate in saying, “How can I help?” My mom and I have always been close, and her willingness to be there for me and my family meant so much. However, my mother had health issues of her own. It worried me that she would get worn down and that the coming weeks would be too much. I didn’t want to be the cause of her health being affected negatively. I also felt bad about taking her away from my sweet daddy, her friends, and her activities. Have you experienced similar worries about your caregiver?
Quickly, the Lord reminded me that through my mother He had taught me about the importance of family and being able to count on each other through it all. Over the years, He had sent my mom to be there for me through so many things, from skinned knees to the birth of my children. And now, through cancer! Worrying was the opposite of what the Lord wanted me to do. He wanted me to turn my concerns over to Him and to have faith in Him to take care of my mom. He tells us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Worrying can consume us and cause us to lose sight of our trust in God. I needed to fully depend on Him and believe in His Word and His promises. He was in control. And oh, how richly He blesses His children!
My mom did become one of my primary caregivers. Then one day, when I was at a very low point, my mom woke up with vertigo. On that day my earlier worries came true. She was extremely dizzy and could not move without getting sick. At first, I felt distressed—but, quickly, there was nothing but peace. I believed that the Lord would handle the situation. If all we could do that day was to lay on her bed and rest, it would be okay. Today’s verse says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” God was with us and had us wrapped in His arms and amazing love. My mom’s vertigo only lasted a day, whereas sometimes it had lasted for many days. Praise God! Even though I wish my mom and I had not had this time together because of cancer, I will be forever grateful to my heavenly Father for it. He blessed us with the gift of time to spend together, not only as mother and daughter, but also as friends.
Pray: Almighty and amazing God, thank You for blessing us with freedom from being consumed by worry. We trust in You to carry our burdens and to handle whatever we face according to Your will for us. Amen.
Your Turn: Hear the words of Matt Maher in “What A Friend.” We will face worries, trials, and temptations. Who will you turn to for help?
Ashley Taylor, Cancer Survivor
Ashley is married to James, and they have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. All four are big Tar Heel fans, having attended the same school, UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2020 Ashley obtained her roofing license to help with her family's business. She is a breast cancer survivor. She has been grateful for the opportunity to join the devo team for Cancer Companions, to reach out to others for God’s glory for His goodness in her cancer journey.
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