Light in the Darkness, April 30
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus” (Luke 24:3 NIV).
I was interested in playing drums as a young boy. As my ability increased, my father talked about purchasing a drum set for Christmas. We did not have much money. The idea of an actual set of drums was beyond my comprehension. I walked downstairs to the living room on Christmas morning. My father had discussed buying drums, but seeing them set up in the living room was like a dream. How could this be true? As a side note, fifty-five years later I am still amazed I have the opportunity to play drums for our church’s praise band!
The disciples confessed Jesus to be the Messiah. They had heard His pronouncement that He must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day rise again. But, when the time came for the women to prepare His body, the resurrection was the farthest thing from their minds. Only after the angel reminded them of His promise to rise on the third day did they recall His words.
Why are God’s promises so hard to believe? The women were perplexed, and the apostles thought the angel’s proclamation was pure nonsense or a fairy tale. Yet, the empty tomb was the glorious fulfillment of God’s spoken promise to them. Once again, God was faithfully attempting to break through man’s preconceptions of Him. Sometimes God blows the trumpet of victory, yet we have blinders on and do not hear or see.
Cancer can overwhelm you with emotions and decisions. You may feel numb. You may not be able to hear or see God. You are so focused on doing the next thing that being aware of God’s presence is next to impossible. You may stare at a magazine in the physician’s waiting room, unaware of God reaching out to you. All you can hear are questions about treatment options and weird-sounding medicines that might help. May God send you an angel to remind you of His promises. May He enable you to see light where it seems there is only darkness. May the risen Christ appear to you in unsuspecting ways: a stranger, a phone call, a new friendship, a handwritten card, or a timely song on the radio. Speaking of Jesus, the apostle John proclaims, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5 NIV). In a world consumed by darkness and defeat, Christ promises us victory! Alleluia!
Pray: Lord, help me to hear Your words of hope even when I feel despair. Help me see Your hand at work even when I feel alone. May Jesus enable me to see light amidst the darkness. May Your resurrection bring renewed life. Amen.
Your Turn:
Ask God to remind you of His promises.
Ask God to fill you with hope when you are overwhelmed.
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.
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.
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