He Goes Before Us, November 12
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Thomas Sherrod
…and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away (Mark 16:3-4 NIV).
I walked into the physician’s office expecting to hear we would monitor the biopsy results. The shock of seeing the stoic, almost embarrassed, face of the doctor is still etched in my memory. My brain turned off as he told me my prostate biopsy had eight positive sections for cancer. The words sounded like an idle tale about someone else. I was handed a book as I walked out of the office, stunned.
Gradually, I began to see God reveal Himself. I soon realized He had already been working through the physician’s persistence to convince me to do a biopsy in the face of my stubborn objections. God had provided three friends in the medical field who encouraged me to have the biopsy. God gave me an unusual openness to share my diagnosis with friends and neighbors. I quickly learned that two men in my immediate neighborhood had experienced prostate cancer several years ago. God brought tremendous comfort through their willingness to share details of their operations and recovery. I felt God revealing Himself as I spoke with my neighbors and several others who were vulnerable and gracious enough to share their experiences and decision processes.
God worked through my work supervisor, who referred me to a retired urologist who had become a cancer navigator. I cannot begin to express how I felt God’s hand moving through this man’s sensitive care and expertise. He walked me through obtaining a surgeon and radiology consultation to decide which option was best for my situation. The cancer navigator met with my wife and me after my consultations to help answer some of the confusing details. His honesty about the complexities of the operation and the radiation option brought comfort and assurance. Ultimately, I decided on surgery, through extensive prayer and listening for God’s voice through friends, neighbors, and strangers.
The women going to anoint Jesus’ corpse were devastated and were concerned about who would roll away the stone. They were unaware that the stone was already rolled away. God had gone before them, and was also in the future, preparing the way for new life. The diagnosis of cancer felt like a stone rolled in front of my life. I was confronted with my mortality in a new and realistic manner. Yet, God was walking before me. He placed neighbors, church members, colleagues, and even strangers in my path to bring hope and healing.
Time is not a barrier to God. He is already in the future, bringing grace and His presence to us.
Pray: Lord, may You open our hearts to receive Your grace and help in this confusing world. May You remind us that our lives are in Your hands and we have nothing to fear as we walk with You. Amen.
Your Turn: Today, remember that God holds all the wisdom and the tools to meet any challenge you may encounter.
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.
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