God is Working! July 1
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ASV).
I was starting a new job, filled with all the excitement and anxiety that comes with a new venture. An old friend from seminary sent me a card in the mail with the sixth verse of Philippians chapter one written on the inside, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” My friend’s gesture and the words of scripture spoke to my heart. I was able to see the new job as part of a much larger picture—I could see it as God working towards my completion. Even though it was easy to see that God was doing a good thing in my life, anxious questions had been coming to my mind. How much more does that happen to us in difficult times, when it may be harder to see God at work?
Cancer has the ability to bring those nagging questions into our hearts. You may be questioning, “Where is God?” “Why is this happening to me and my family?” Or “What did I do to bring this on?” Trying to stop the flood of thoughts can feel like holding back a tidal wave. You may be feeling overwhelmed. Yet the Lord says to His children that He is completing His work in us. How can that be, when the doctor says the word “cancer” and everything else shuts down, and you feel as though you are being swept downstream by an unwelcome current?
Today’s verse holds words of encouragement from Saint Paul to the believers at Philippi. Paul spoke as someone who has seen hardship, beatings, and imprisonment, and yet he is saying to believers, “Look to the larger picture.” God’s hand has not left you! Suffering or hardships do not mean God has abandoned you!
God’s work in you during your cancer experience might bring you:
New eyes to see beauty and goodness you could have missed.
A stronger commitment to live beyond the unimportant.
An awareness that being cared for by others is a blessing, not a hurt.
An opportunity to share lonely nights with Christ instead of fears.
A greater ability to come alongside others through their trials.
Our feelings are real and to be honored. Yet so are God’s promises. Philippians 1:6 is more than an inspiring verse. It’s a promise from God that He will continue to do His good work in you until the day you see Jesus face to face. Cancer cannot stop God’s promises and the mighty work that He is doing in you.
Pray: Lord, may You engrain this promise into our souls to bring us comfort, strength, and help in our times of sorrow and struggle. May You open our eyes wide enough to see beyond the shadows of this world and claim the wonder of Your promises. Amen.
Your Turn: Will you ask God to give you eyes to see His hand of goodness at work in you, even when you feel overwhelmed? Will you call on the Lord to fill you with a promise of hope as you walk this path of faith?
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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.
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