Nothing Too Difficult, April 12
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV).
I remember as a young seminary student being asked to read scripture for our opening chapel service. I said, “Sure.” I had practiced the scripture and felt ready. I walked into the chapel, saw the room filled with professors, students, and community leaders and was panic-stricken. I exited the building and hurried to the cafeteria. I could not do it. It was too hard for me!
Cancer confronts us with challenges that may seem too hard, at the time. You may not feel ready to go through the rigors of chemotherapy, radiation, or talking to friends and family about the cancer. I felt great compassion and respect for people entering our cancer support group for the first session. They did not know what to expect. They were not sure if they would fit in or be expected to share parts of themselves before they were ready. It was terrifying for some. It seemed too difficult to openly share such a sensitive subject with complete strangers.
At the time of today’s scripture, the children of Israel were being threatened by possible military invasion. The prophet Jeremiah called upon the God of all creation to deliver them. He said, “You have made the heavens and the earth. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17). Cancer may feel like an invasion to you! Sometimes the treatment for cancer feels like an attack. You can draw strength from Jeremiah’s faith that nothing is too hard for the Lord. God will never say, “That is just a little too difficult for me. I don’t know if I can handle that.” How laughable! The creator of the heavens and the earth is able to handle and lead us through whatever we face.
By yourself, many challenges are too hard. Many decisions may be too difficult and confusing. But God is not intimidated or surprised by what you are experiencing. God is able to deliver you from your trial. He has before and He will again. I have been given many opportunities to read scripture in large gatherings since those early seminary days. God has given me the strength to lean on His Holy Spirit to empower me and deliver me from the fear. May God give you the assurance that nothing is too hard for Him as you look to the future.
Pray: Lord, may You give me the assurance of Your power when I feel overwhelmed and frightened. Thank you for Your promises to defeat any foe that comes against me. Amen.
Your Turn: Visualize God speaking the heavens and the earth into existence. Now, imagine God speaking words of assurance and encouragement to your heart each day.
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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