Near To Me, June 9
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Ashley Taylor
“You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear’” (Lamentations 3:57 NIV).
When I received my breast cancer diagnosis, I wanted to first do what was necessary to rid my body of the disease, and then, to hopefully prevent the disease from coming back. When I heard the words “chemo” and “double mastectomy,” I could not say that I immediately declared, “Sign me up.” However, through prayer and discussion with my family and my medical team, I felt complete peace with the plan to treat my cancer. At the time, I did not give recurrence much thought—because I was doing all I could to prevent it.
During the months following surgery and chemo, the fear of recurrence began to rear its ugly head in my mind. People would ask how often I went back for scans. What scans?! My doctors had me on a regular schedule for checkups, but there was no mention of getting a scan. I knew from my own research that even after having chemo, some cancer cells could remain and grow strong again. My doctors had already discussed that I needed to continue with monthly self-exams. At an appointment with my medical oncologist and again a couple of weeks later with my surgical oncologist, they went over signs of recurrence of cancer and where it usually showed up. Then, one day, it felt like the breath had been knocked out of me. I was overwhelmed with thoughts of my cancer returning. I had the devil dancing on my shoulder saying, “Be afraid.” Have you ever experienced a moment like this?
With tears in my eyes, I called out to my heavenly Father for help. It was just like Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:57, “You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’” I could feel the peace of God begin to wash over me. I did not need to carry this burden. All I needed to do was to ask for help and hand over my cares to Him. He wants us to live in the moment without fear, to be thankful for each day that we have, and to share His love and goodness with others. Now, through the love and strength of God, when I find the devil dancing on my shoulder, I knock him off and squash the fear he tries to instill. The Holy Spirit, prayer, God’s Word, and praise music are powerful weapons God provides for us to conquer the schemes of the devil. Do you have a similar burden that you are trying to carry alone? If so, will you call out to God for His help and peace? Which weapons from Him will you wield to squash Satan’s schemes?
Pray: Awesome and gracious God, let us remember that You will draw near to us when we call out to You for help. Help us live each day with thanksgiving, free from fear. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to the words of Kristian Stanfill’s “Draw Near.” As you listen, cast your cares at Jesus’ feet in prayer and feel Him draw near to you.
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.
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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