Overcomers, August 29
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4 NIV).
My phone rang. I did not recognize the number. Why did I answer it? It was the dermatologist’s office. The mole on my nose turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma. I was referred to a surgeon for a Mohs procedure. I could feel my heart beginning to race. What is a Mohs procedure? I did not expect this. Would there be disfigurement? As I sorted out the flood of emotions, I realized I was feeling vulnerable and acutely aware of the fragility of life. At any moment I could receive a phone call that would alter the course of my life. Is this too dramatic? Not for me. I turned to Scripture for help.
What verses would bring comfort, guidance and help in this time of uncertainty? 1 John 4:4 came to mind. It speaks to my vulnerable spirit. It gives me three wonderful promises. First, it reaffirms my place with God, reminding me I am a child of God. Second, I hear that God’s Spirit dwells in me as a guarantee of His presence. Third, God gives me the assurance that He who dwells in me is greater than anyone or anything in the world. I know I will face trials in this world. It is a great comfort to know God is more powerful than anything that might come against me. My place is with God. He will never leave me. And I need not fear as I rely on His power to overcome my struggles.
You or a loved one may have received a call similar to mine. I know that basal cell skin cancer is not high on the severity scale of cancers. However, I imagine some of the feelings and thoughts I experienced may have been a taste of what runs through others’ minds when they are diagnosed with cancer: “I never thought this would happen to me.” “How will this change my life?” “How will it affect my body?” Illusions of immortality are laid to rest.
Where do you turn for help? Cancer can be foreboding, looming like a winter storm on the horizon. Let God’s Word give you confidence. God promises to live within you. He is greater than any demon or obstacle in the world. You are not alone. You have shelter and victory in Jesus. May God give you His strength through all of life’s challenges, joys, and trials.
Pray: Lord, thank You for the assurance and confidence that You are greater than any weapon formed against me. Your perfect love casts out all fear. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I give You all praise! Amen.
Your Turn: Imagine Jesus as the Lion of Judah, afraid of nothing. Celebrate Jesus dwelling within you and giving you victory over any foe.
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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