Mystified, January 9
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14 NIV).
You may have spent your life trying to get ahead, or at least to keep up. You may have been climbing the ladder of success. Now that cancer has shown up, you are not sure if the ladder is even leaned against the right wall! Worse, you may not have as much time left as you thought.
The book of James is referred to as “the gospel of good works.” It is addressed to Christians. Many of them were extremely poor, even though they lived in a culture full of wealthy people.
Some of these poor Christians coveted the luxurious lives of the rich and gave them preferential treatment (see James 2). The impoverished Christians boasted about their plans to become rich: “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money” (James 4:13 MSG).
James rebukes them. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:14-15 NIV).
A couple of days after doctors found a golf ball-sized mass in my right lung, presumably cancer, we moved our oldest child into college for the start of her freshman year. We had not yet told our kids about the cancer possibility, not wanting to detract from the weekend’s happiness.
I felt tremendous pride watching my daughter set up her room. Her mom and I had done well. Then, reality hit me hard. Would I be here to move her out? I could hear God’s word, “You are a mist” (James 4:14). I might vanish sooner than expected.
A deep sense of regret nearly took my breath away. There were things I still needed to say and wanted us to do together. Now, I may have missed my chance. I felt like crying.
I had spent so much time and energy on my career. As a pastor, I aspired to be successful, and hoped to move up, and make more money. I always worked hard and gave the church my best. Sadly, that sometimes kept me from being the best dad.
As I watched from the hallway, Jesus encouraged me. I had been a much better father than I thought, and I needed to keep going. I had more to do and more time. How much time? I did not know. But I had this day—and threw myself into it.
I also committed however many days God gave me to doing His good works. That would start at home with putting my family before work.
Pray: Lord, cancer is such a wakeup call. I am a mist who will vanish all too soon. I have often been too focused on work and other worldly matters. From this day forward, help me focus all my energy on discerning Your will and doing good works in Your name. Help me start with those closest to me. Amen!
Your Turn: Listen to “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns. This beautiful song acknowledges our transience in the context of God’s never-ending love.
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
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