Not So Good News, September 19
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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.
By Elvin McLin
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27 NIV).
Dear Sandy,
It’s hard to write through tears. Reading your honest email, so full of transparency, is helping me deal with my journey.
I, too, have received some not so good news. The spot that began in January has grown to be 2.0 cm. The danger zone. The type of surgery I need is called an ablation. A needle in my back. Freeze the tumor. The location of my tumor is such that traditional surgery can’t be done. First, because of the location, and second, I don’t have much kidney left. This means any type of surgery would destroy what I have left, putting me on dialysis.
What a journey of faith, right? I abruptly left you hanging because I wanted to speak to you as the Lord gave it to me, walking through MD Anderson after I had received this news from my oncologist. As I was processing all of this, the Lord’s Spirit spoke to me, asking me to look at all of the people going by me in various stages of their cancer journey: some in wheelchairs, some not. Some with hair, some without hair due to treatment. Some were old, some were young. Some had companions, some not. Even though the news I received wasn’t what I WANTED to hear (sometimes I can be a brat), the Lord reminded me to count my blessings.
But in the midst of this bustling hallway, the Lord took me to the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee by boat ahead of Jesus after He had fed five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes (see Matthew 14:22-33). A deadly storm came out of nowhere, kinda like this cancer thing. Not unlike the disciples’ overwhelming fear in that storm, announcements of reoccurrence, even the possibility of death, shake us to the very core of our being!
Do you remember? Jesus is in the storm saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
Peter hears this and chooses to face his storm. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water” (v. 28).
Jesus’ reply? “Come” (v. 29).
We must summon up the courage to be fearless, just like Peter.
“Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come out on the water!”
“Come, Sandy!”
“Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come out on the water!”
“Come, Elvin!”
“Look, Sandy! We are walking on water! Hallelujah, praise the Lord!”
Then the waves begin to surge. PET scan reveals cancer is back! Medications not working! We lose our focus. We begin to sink.
But there is no storm strong enough to tear Jesus from our side. Those strong yet gentle hands lift us up again. Jesus shakes His head in the kindest way. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (v. 32)
Why do we doubt, my beautiful sister in the Lord? Let’s settle back into the boat with our Captain. Let Him steer us on this journey home.
We love you so much, Sis Sandy! But He loves you more than you could ever know!
Pray: Lord, I know that I can trust You with all things, but sometimes the waves and the storm can shake me to the core. Help me to hear Your voice, Jesus, and to keep my eyes on You. You are my trustworthy Captain, and I know You love me more than I could ever know. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to “Walking on Water” by NEEDTOBREATHE, and lift your heart to God as the lyrics express Peter’s experience with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee, and our journey with Him, as well.
Elvin K. McLin, Cancer Survivor
Elvin is the husband of Dominique. They live in Ellisville, Missouri where they share five beautiful adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Elvin is an entrepreneur who began his journey with cancer in 2019 with stage three and stage four kidney cancer. As he was healing from the first encounter with cancer, another battle with cancer reared itself in the form of prostate cancer. Elvin has been welcomed by Cancer Companions to become a member of the Board of Directors.
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.
