Let the Children Come, September 16
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By David Gira
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14 NIV).
Recently a young mom joined a cancer support group I belong to. Unlike the rest of us, she did not have cancer. Tragically, her eleven-year-old daughter did. Almost two years ago, she had been diagnosed with the same type of cancer as the rest of us.
Her oncologist put her on the cancer medication that I have taken for the last couple of years with good results. The medication shrunk her tumors, but side effects forced her to stop taking it. At that time, no other good options existed.
The mother’s heartbreak grieved us all. Having cancer is hard. Having a child with cancer must be even harder. Yet her faith and her daughter’s inspired me. They trusted God to use cancer for good.
On one occasion (see Matthew 19), Jesus had been teaching a large crowd. Among the men and women were many children. This surely included many sick kids suffering various illnesses, maybe even cancer.
Parents brought the children to Jesus in hopes He would lay His hand on them, pray for, bless, and heal them. Word of Jesus’ healings had gone viral. He had healed sick kids and even brought a couple of dead children back to life. The crowds had become massive.
As the parents and children approached Jesus, the disciples tried to prevent them, maybe out of concern for His safety. Upset by this, Jesus commands the disciples to let them through: “I want little children to come to me, so never interfere with them when they want to come, for heaven’s kingdom realm is composed of beloved ones like these! Listen to this truth: No one will enter the kingdom realm of heaven unless he becomes like one of these!” (Matthew 19:14 TPT)
I believe the children wanted to come to Jesus. They knew He loved them and sensed it. He drew them to Himself. We can envision them wrangling their way out of their parents’ arms to go to Him.
Mark’s version captures this tender moment: “Then he embraced each child, and laying his hands on them, he lovingly blessed each one” (Mark 10:16 TPT).
If your child has cancer or any serious illness, the most important thing you can do is take them to Jesus. Yes, get them to the best doctors and the best hospitals. But first and always and above all, take them to Jesus. Entrust their health and wellbeing to Jesus.
Much can prevent you from bringing your child to Jesus: work, family responsibilities, and life in general. Add cancer care to your day and not much, if anything, remains. Be intentional about giving your child time with Jesus.
Many options exist. Pray for your child throughout the day, silently and with them aloud. Pray before bedtime, before procedures, and when they’re upset. Take them to church, if possible. Read the Bible together. Tell them about Jesus. Listen to Christian music.
Activities like these will bring your child to Jesus, the One who truly heals. He will also care for you.
Pray: Lord, have mercy on every child enduring cancer or any life-threatening illness. Care for each child who suffers and all who care for them. Help us grownups to show them Your love and bring them to You. Help us remove any obstacles. Amen.
Your Turn: “Jesus Loves Me” is a wonderful song for children. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong.” Here’s a video to teach you the song. Share it with the children in your life. And remember that Jesus loves you, too!
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.
