Looking For Jesus in All the Wrong Places, February 26
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
If you find this devotional inspiring please consider making a donation so we can continue to create powerful devotions for all those impacted by cancer.
Written by Sharon D. Ware
“Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening. And the day is far spent.’ And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight” (Luke 24:28-31 OSB).
Two men who were passionate followers of Jesus were on their way to Emmaus, a small town about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were overwhelmed by the recent events of Christ’s crucifixion. They were so distraught they did not even notice that Jesus was in their midst.
Cancer can overwhelm us. We can be so focused on our disease prognosis, the treatment plan, or our condition that we miss that Jesus is in our midst. God is with us. I will repeat that, God is with us.
As the disciples walked and talked, Jesus began to draw near to them. Yet, their anxiety made it almost impossible for them to recognize their Lord. When Jesus queried them about the conversation they were having, one of the men, Cleopas, was shocked that this man did not know of the events that had happened. Cleopas said that Jesus had done great things among the people and had spoken with great power. Cleopas told Jesus that the chief priests and rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death and that He was crucified. Cleopas even told Jesus that the women went to the tomb and saw angels who claimed Jesus was alive.
Can you imagine being so unaware Jesus is walking with you that you tell Jesus about Himself? Nonetheless, we can be so focused on our problems that we tell God things He already knows. He knows about our cancer and all it entails. He even knows when you can’t sleep and that you have pain. Praise God that He does know, even as He invites you to lay down your burdens at His feet.
After letting Cleopas talk, Jesus opened up the Scriptures to them and explained that His death and resurrection were foretold by the prophets. Jesus patiently helped them to see His death was a necessary part of God’s good plan. Finally, when Cleopas and his friend sat down to eat, they recognized Him for who He was. Jesus had been with them all along, but they let their anxiety get in the way of seeing Him.
Anxiety can get in the way of our seeing Jesus, as well. But, wouldn’t it be better to walk through cancer seeing that Jesus is always by your side? The presence of the Lord is with us—in the doctor’s office, in the hospital bed, during the treatments. We just have to open our eyes to see Him. Look for Him; He can be found.
Pray: Lord, open my eyes so that I can see You in the midst of my situation. Amen.
Your Turn: Sometimes it is easier to look back and see that Jesus was walking by your side. Take a minute to look back. When was a time in your life that Jesus was with you, but you did not recognize Him?
Sharon D. Ware, EdD, MSN, MA, RN, CCHC-C, Cancer Survivor
Sharon is an Eastern Orthodox Christian. She retired in 2015 from nursing when she was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer and given a few months to live. Her life was turned upside down. She underwent chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Cancer Companions, along with her faith in the Lord, allowed her to cope with her new normal. Sharon is still receiving chemotherapy seven years later and believes her ultimate victory is trusting in God.
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.
