God Does Care, May 28
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Elvin McLin
“So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick’” (John 11:3 NIV).
The story of Lazarus’ death in the Gospel of John sets us up with the scene of a family dealing with a very sick brother. Just like many of us, the family knew Jesus intimately. They had even entertained Him at their home. And, like many of us, they sent word to Jesus. Look at today’s verse: “So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’” They probably sent word by messenger; we send word to Jesus in prayer.
The sisters, like us, wanted Jesus to respond and come quickly. They knew the power Jesus possessed could heal their brother—if Jesus would just come. Jesus waited three days to come.
At times, those of us dealing with cancer at any stage may feel the way these sisters felt. Jesus didn’t immediately respond, even though they sent word that their brother was battling a sickness that could result in death.
I remember a time I desperately prayed to Jesus to come and bring healing. I was in my hospital room after my second surgery. I wanted to go home! But I had issues with my heart the doctors could not diagnose. I asked myself why Jesus didn’t answer. My tears soaked my pillow. There was a moment I was at the very end of my wits. I didn’t want to be poked and prodded any more. Yet, I had no choice but to wait. Twenty-four hours later, my prayer was answered. I was on my way back home.
We have heard of miracles on top of miracles. We have prayed. We may have felt His presence during a church service. But, just as Jesus delayed answering the sisters’ cries to come quickly, sometimes He delays in answering our prayers. We may respond with feelings similar to Lazarus’ sisters. They became despondent. We become despondent, too. “God doesn’t care. Where is He?” Maybe we even question if we are just too small to matter to Him. “He has too many other people to attend to. He couldn’t possibly have time for me.”
How did Mary and Martha describe Lazarus in their message to Jesus? “The one you love….” The sisters knew Jesus loved their brother. If you had asked me, as I was lying in that hospital bed weeping, “Does Jesus love you?” I would have adamantly said, “YES!” Yet in the middle of my struggle it was hard to remember. Jesus loves you, too. He is right there beside you. He does care. He is right there for us every moment of our lives, and He is for us. Push yourself, even in the waiting, to remember God does care.
Pray: Heavenly Father, hear our prayers, and please don’t delay in answering. But, when You choose to delay, help us to trust Your love for us and cling to it. Give us the faith to know we aren’t alone during our cancer battle! Amen.
Your Turn: What is an area in your life where it seems that God is delaying? Try writing to Him about what you are experiencing. Ask Him for His help and presence as you wait on Him.
Elvin K. McLin, Cancer Survivor
Elvin is the husband of Dominique. They live in Ellisville, Missouri where they share five beautiful adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Elvin is an entrepreneur who began his journey with cancer in 2019 with stage three and stage four kidney cancer. As he was healing from the first encounter with cancer, another battle with cancer reared itself in the form of prostate cancer. Elvin has been welcomed by Cancer Companions to become a member of the Board of Directors.
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.
