God Knows … Even the Number of Hairs on Your Head, July 10
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7 NIV).
Cancer can be terrifying. Believing that even the smallest details matter to God provides reassurance. Knowing nothing happens to you without God’s knowledge gives great comfort. We can trust God to see us and help us.
In today’s scripture reading, Jesus draws the disciples’ attention to the sparrows. They are of little value, yet God sees and never forgets them, even when they fall. He assures the disciples that the Father knows the number of hairs on their heads. They are worth much more than sparrows.
What does this pep talk mean? Things are getting scary for Jesus and His disciples. Jesus faces fierce opposition. Many powerful people want to kill Him. The disciples have given up a lot to follow Jesus. It could cost them their lives.
Jesus encourages His disciples not to fear the opposition. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more” (Luke 12:4 NIV). Like the sparrows, God will keep His loving eye on each of the disciples. He will take care of them. And if they fall, God will reach out His hand and catch them!
As a cancer patient, you may lose a lot to cancer. One loss could be your hair. Granted, this isn’t the matter of life and death facing Jesus and His disciples. Nonetheless, losing your hair can be terrifying. How will I look? How will I feel? Will it come back? Will I be hideous? From shedding to shaving, the experience can be very traumatic.
If, like me, you have already lost all your hair, to treatment or genetics, God numbering the hairs on your head may not impress you much! What is miraculous is God knowing that you have lost your hair. God knows your head is clammy and cold or hot and burning in the sun. God knows you do not like the way it looks. God knows it is upsetting. God knows everything.
Sadly, you may lose much more to cancer than your hair. The disease may cost you your job, savings, physical abilities, plans, opportunities, loved ones, relationships, and maybe even your life.
Remember, your future is secure, no matter what happens. Cancer can kill the body, but like the people threatening the disciples, it can do no more. Only God has authority over our lives and souls.
In God’s eyes, “You are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). In fact, you are worth God sacrificing His one and only Son Jesus for you. He died on the cross so you could be forgiven of all your sin, set free from death’s bondage, and live each day abundantly—now through all eternity.
Whatever happens in your cancer journey, God will be watching. He is your “ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV). You need never be afraid. God will always love you, with or without hair, whatever you lose, and whether you’re flying or falling.
Pray: Lord, thank You for loving me no matter what happens. Remind me that nothing happens to me without Your knowing and seeing me. Help me trust You more fully. Save me from all fear. Amen.
Your Turn: Whitney Houston’s rendition of “His Eye is on The Sparrow” remains beautiful and soul stirring. Just listen.
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 7 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.
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