Jesus, My Faithful Friend, March 12
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Ashley Taylor
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).
The big day had arrived! Usually, these words would mean I was excited about something. However, this day would be one full of uncertainty and anxiety. It was my first day of chemo treatment on my cancer journey. (I say “my,” because each person’s experience on this path is different.)
Let me back up and say that initially, based on my biopsy, the plan for me was a lumpectomy followed by radiation. It was a relief to know that I would probably not need to face chemotherapy. I could not wrap my brain around all that might entail, but what I did know was frightening to me. When my husband and I met with my medical oncologist the first time, we were not even thinking about chemo. However, six weeks later, new test results indicated I needed chemotherapy. With this news, I think my husband almost dropped to the floor. I was upset—but surprisingly calm. I realized that, during the six weeks it had taken to get the test results, Jesus had been preparing me for this moment.
It was like today’s scripture verse had come alive for me: “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” See that word— “consumed”? At diagnosis, the little knowledge I had of chemotherapy easily led to the fear of being “consumed.” During the passage of those six weeks, a wave of peace settled over me, and I realized that the verse is right. God’s love and compassion would keep me from being consumed, even by chemotherapy. The verse goes on to say that God’s compassions don’t just show up one day, but morning after morning after morning. I was to see the proof of this even more clearly through my treatments.
On the first morning of chemo, the Lord’s great love kept me from being consumed by all the feelings I was experiencing. My incredible husband surprised me with the biggest envelope I had ever seen (homemade), which contained a poster with these words from the Disney movie, Up, and brought tears to my eyes: “To My Wife, You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know.… You are My Sunshine.”1
Then God arranged to have my awesome mom willing and able to stay with me throughout the treatment. Jesus kept showing up. His mercies and compassion were never-ending.
Later that morning we ran into my sweet friend, Catie, and her mom. Catie was in a battle of her own with brain cancer. She grabbed my hands and asked if she could say a prayer. I could not have felt more loved and ready to face what may come. With tears in my eyes and joy in my heart, I proclaim these words, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for being our forever friend. Let us remember that no matter what we face, we will not be consumed by it because of Your love and compassion for us. May we always be grateful for Your steadfast love and keep our eyes on You. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Hillsong Worship and think about the friend you have in Jesus. What thoughts come to your mind?
1. Docter, Peter, director. 2009. Up. Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios.
Ashley Taylor, Cancer Survivor
Ashley is married to James, and they have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. All four are big Tar Heel fans, having attended the same school, UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2020 Ashley obtained her roofing license to help with her family's business. She is a breast cancer survivor. She has been grateful for the opportunity to join the devo team for Cancer Companions, to reach out to others for God’s glory for His goodness in her cancer journey.
Helen Filcik
Our mom, Helen Filcik, lived every day knowing her best friend Jesus was with her. Because of that, she was able to share His love with those around her. May we all walk in such a way with Him! - Kevin Filcik and Linda Tripp
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