Getting Through the In Betweens-Forward with Resolution, February 8
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Dan Held
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51 NIV).
Life is a series of what we may view as being “in-between times.” Each new day is another “in-between” day. So, what are you in between today?
The Gospel of Luke views the life of Jesus between His earthly conception and birth and His ascending into heaven (ascension). In the twenty-four chapters between these two events, we find that the last fourteen chapters deal with what is called His “journey to Jerusalem.” Luke introduces this time in Jesus’ life with the words of our verse for today: “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Some Bible scholars refer to this as a “bridge” verse between Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and His heavenly ascension. Across that bridge lay, for Jesus, a prolonged series of “in betweens” and “getting throughs.” In this five-day devotional series which starts today, we will look at lessons we can learn from Jesus as He lived His “in betweens.”
A cancer journey is its own series of “in betweens” we are getting through. From Jesus we can learn a lot about ”getting through.” From His original followers we can learn a lot about ourselves—such as how we would rather look back at the certainties of our past than ahead at the uncertainties now facing us. Indeed, one of the first “getting through” lessons from Luke chapter nine had to do with those followers who wanted to hold off getting started. Getting through the temptation to procrastinate is often step one. One man wanted to delay following Jesus so he could bury his dead and another wanted to delay so he could say goodbye to his family. And who knows what other reasons to wait—and procrastinate yet another day (see Luke 9:59-62).
With each cancer diagnosis comes a treatment plan to be followed. Tests, procedures, appointments, and treatments are laid out in a path before you. It can be frightening to face, but also frightening to think of the consequences of procrastination. You may even delay turning to Jesus for help. Yet, He waits for your worries, your confusion, and your fears so He may lead you on His path through your cancer.
The followers of Jesus had to get through their temptation to procrastinate before they could even begin their journey to Jerusalem. Our “in betweens” always begin by getting through the “staying puts” or even the “going backs.” Which takes us to the second “bridge” verse between the Galilean ministry of Jesus and His heavenly ascension: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 NIV).
Today begins another in-between day along your cancer journey. No turning back. Only getting through, as a follower of Jesus on your own heavenly journey. Jesus calls you to follow His lead and put your hand to the plow that is before you—resolutely, with no looking back. Look instead towards Jesus who goes before you, with His priceless provision and grace.
Pray: God of all journeys into uncertainty, this is another day along my own journey. You know my temptation to “stay put” or to go back. Help me instead to follow Your lead in getting through the “in betweens,” one temptation at a time, knowing You are with me every step of the way. Amen.
Your Turn: What is the plow you must use today in service to God’s kingdom? Now imagine placing your hand upon that plow. And looking forward!
Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver
Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.
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