God will Provide, January 25
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
If you find this devotional inspiring please consider making a donation so we can continue to create powerful devotions for all those impacted by cancer.
Written by Thomas Sherrod
“So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided” (Genesis 22:14 NIV).
One of the most difficult of the Ten Commandments is number ten: “Thou shalt not covet.” I confess I am always lusting after what I don’t have. Right now, I am frantically searching the Internet for a better SUV. The one I own is perfectly fine. But I want a smoother ride. I covet a particular SUV that I think will satisfy my insatiable desire. What do you want that you don’t have? Maybe you want a different spouse, a better job, better hair, new golf clubs or better health.
Cancer can cause us to look at what we don’t have. We can become envious or resentful of those who seem to have no health problems. We can think that life isn’t fair, and we have been dealt the short end of the stick.
Abraham must have felt that he was being singled out for a hard time. He had already sent one son, Ishmael, into the desert with his mother Hagar. Now, he was being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. As he hiked up the mountain, following what he believed to be God’s direction to him, he must have wondered just how this strange request could fit into God’s greater plan. Then, as he was about to sacrifice his son, an angel intervened and said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy.” Startled, Abraham looked around and saw a ram tangled up in some bushes–a perfect lamb for the sacrifice. Imagine Abraham’s relief! He did not know how, when or where God would provide, but provide He did. Abraham called the place “The LORD Will Provide.” Abraham did not understand God’s request, but he chose to respond in faith. Abraham learned that the Lord will provide!
You may have felt like Abraham while coping with cancer. You may have thought, “I didn’t ask for this!” You may have wondered, “I don’t understand what is happening or why it is happening!” But, are you looking for the ways God is providing?
God may have had someone call or send a letter at just the right time or bring a meal when you had no energy left to give. God may have placed the perfect scripture in your heart. There are so many ways God provides for us.
May God give you ears to hear Him speak to the needs of your heart. May God’s Spirit enable you to see the ram in the bush that He has provided.
Pray: Lord, You know our needs before we even open our mouths. You know our thoughts before they become words on our lips. We thank You for Your faithfulness and for fulfilling all Your promises. Help us to hear these words: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV). Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God for the peace to trust that He will provide for every need you have, according to His riches in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4:19).
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.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
