God’s Great Love, September 11
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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.
By Karen Wonders
… and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19 ESV).
Linda worked at my bank. Occasionally I would stop in to make deposits, and she would always strike up a conversation with me. She was a very sweet woman in her late sixties and always seemed to be in a good mood. She was kind to everyone she spoke with, greeting them with a smile and a word of encouragement.
One morning I walked into the bank, and could tell immediately that Linda was troubled about something. She greeted me with the same smile she always did, but I could tell there was a deep sadness in her eyes. She confided in me that her husband had recently been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Through tears, she told me that he had been experiencing symptoms for a while now, and had lost a significant amount of weight. His body was very weak. She wasn’t sure he would have the strength to fight. So, Linda determined to fight for him. She studied everything she could about his cancer. She personally met with our Maple Tree dietitian and compiled a list of recipes suitable for him. She went to every single appointment he had and took meticulous notes. She held his hand through every treatment. She comforted him when the nausea and vomiting would hit. She was a strong and constant source of support through four long years of treatment.
Linda loved her husband. It didn’t matter that he was sometimes too weak or too sick to show her adequate love in return. Her love was not dependent on his actions. She simply loved him because of who he was. She loved him unconditionally.
Linda gave the world a small picture of the way God loves us. God’s love for us is unconditional. It is not based on our feelings or emotions. Sometimes, as humans, our love for others may come and go. If the other person is nice to us, we may love them more. If they are difficult, we may love them a little less. However, God’s love is not like that. It is not based on feelings or emotions. It doesn’t matter if we are acting lovable. He loves us simply because that is who He is! He created us to have a relationship with Him, and made a way for this relationship through the death of His Son.
If you are having a difficult time feeling God’s love, pray and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to assure you of His constant presence in your life. Remember, oftentimes when we feel unloved it’s because of our own feelings. God is not subject to our feelings. He is unchanging—and so is His love! Stop and consider this—the One who made the stars and the sky, this earth, and everything in it, the very One who at this very moment is causing your heart to beat—loves you like crazy! You are precious in His sight! (See Isaiah 43:4.)
Pray: Father God, thank You that Your love for me is unconditional. I know it is beyond anything I can understand. Please help me to feel Your love and presence, even when I feel unlovable. I know Your love is not dependent on me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: God loves you. You are precious to Him. Do you believe this? Is there anything stopping you from living this truth?
Karen Y. Wonders, PhD, FACSM, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, and Professor/Program Director of Exercise Physiology at Wright State University. Her passion is to advocate for exercise as part of the national standard of care for cancer. Her non-profit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors every month (www.mapletreecanceralliance.org). Dr. Wonders and her husband have 7 children—aged 16 and younger. If you think her hands are full, you should see her heart!
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.
