He Leadeth Me, August 19
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by David Gira
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come (John 16:13 ESV).
Choosing an oncologist. Making treatment decisions. Knowing what to say to your kids about cancer. Deciding if you should step down from your job. Figuring out your finances and healthcare benefits. The cancer journey involves countless decisions. Through it all, Jesus promises that His Holy Spirit will help and guide us.
At the time of today’s verse, Jesus’ death was imminent. He had shared with His disciples His impending fate. He would soon leave them and return to the Father. They were deeply distressed. For the last three years, Jesus had led them through every day and every decision, teaching them and showing them the way. Without Him, how would they know what to do?
Jesus promised that He would not leave them orphaned (see John 14:18). After He left, He would send them the Holy Spirit, to be with them—and in them—and always guide them into the truth. One with the Father and Jesus, the Holy Spirit would remind them of all Jesus taught them and would continue to teach them about God’s character, His will, and how to live for Him. The Holy Spirit, always present and all-powerful, would also equip them to be faithful.
After His ascension to heaven, on the day of Pentecost, Jesus poured out the promised Holy Spirit on His disciples (see Acts 2:1-31). The book of Acts records the work of the Holy Spirit in the disciples’ lives. The Spirit guided them on their missionary journeys and helped them make decisions and deal with conflicts. The Spirit enabled them to teach and preach, heal the sick, perform miracles, and even raise the dead.
Cancer is a very different journey, yet our need for guidance and empowerment remains the same. The Holy Spirit can guide you in your cancer journey. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always with you, as He promised. With every step, at each crossroads, every mountain, valley, and dead end, He promises not to forsake us.
You can have the guidance of the Holy Spirit today. Trust Jesus, and He will freely pour out His Holy Spirit on you. Seek daily to immerse yourself in Jesus’ fountain of living water. We can stay connected by engaging spiritual disciplines such as Bible reading, prayer, participation in Christian community, worship, journaling, and more.
We may experience the Holy Spirit’s guidance in many ways. We may hear God speak as we read the Bible and pray. A sermon, song in worship or on the radio, a conversation with faithful friends, and even a passing comment can lead us into the truth. The Holy Spirit may give you a vision, dream, epiphany, sign, or a glimpse of the future God has prepared for you. Watch for: unexplainable provision, an unexpected open door, the surprising favor of another. A feeling, a push, pull, or nudge, sensing God’s presence, finding peace in pain, and having faith in the face of fear. Receiving assurance and peace that you made the right decision. All this and more can be the work of the Holy Spirit.
Pray: Jesus, I believe and trust in You. The cancer journey’s many crossroads overwhelm me. Often, I don’t know the right way to go. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. Help me recognize Your presence and follow Your lead. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to the beautiful hymn, “He Leadeth Me.” Try to meditate on the words. Let this be a prayer.
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.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
