Recovering Your Stolen Identity, January 2
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by David Gira
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16 NIV).
Cancer can lead to an identity crisis. If you cannot continue in your profession, fulfill your family role, and engage in your activities, who are you?
After my cancer diagnosis, possibly losing my job terrified me. I had been a pastor for twenty years. If I wasn’t that, what would I be? What would be my purpose? Where would I belong? Who would affirm me? Where would I find friends? Who would provide security? Everything depended upon my work. I feared losing my job more than dying!
Months later, my fears came true. I lost my job, but, in the struggle, I gained my true identity. First and foremost, I am a beloved child of God.
When you struggle with your identity, remind yourself of these two truths:
1) You are not the works you do.
In Ephesians, Paul famously wrote, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
You do not need to impress God with your works. You do not need to earn God’s love. He already loves you. You are not God’s slave or worker. You are His child!
Similarly, you do not have to work to earn the love of people who truly love you. Family and friends want a chance to freely show their love for you.
2) You are a child of God.
The experience of cancer may tempt you to doubt your identity. Am I still God’s beloved son or daughter? Does God love me? Care about me? Is God with me?
Jesus died on the cross, rose from the grave, and filled you with His Spirit so that you could be a child of God. Jesus lives in you and reminds you of your identity.
“As he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, ‘Beloved Father!’ For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!” (Romans 8:15b-16, TPT)
God loves and cares for His children. God will protect, affirm, and treasure you. God will give you purpose, belonging, and friendship … no matter what. To assure you, He will place deep within you a “Spirit of full acceptance” (Romans 8:15a, TPT).
As a child of God, you can look forward to a glorious inheritance. We are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17 NIV). You will share in His glory, receive eternal life, and live in the new heaven and earth to come. God will keep you close forever.
Cancer may cause you to wonder, “Who am I?” Some days you may not recognize yourself in the mirror. Your life may return to normal or never be the same. You may have no idea what to do next. Cancer can take a lot, but it can never change who you are—a beloved child of God.
Pray: Lord, remind me who I am, a blessed child of God. Even in my cancer journey, help me walk securely in my identity. Fill me with Your peace and love. Help me be confident in Your presence and Your promises to care for my every need. Amen.
Your Turn: Many songs have been written about our identity as children of God. Here is one of my favorites: “Remind Me Who I Am” by Jason Gray. Enjoy!
David Gira, 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
Lennye Rogers
In honor of Lennye Rogers, 12 year Pancreatic Survivor, a true hero to all who know her. Want more inspiration? Lennye would like to include in her dedication the song “Believe For It” by CeCe Winans. Watch the live performance here.
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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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