Restoration #7 of 9-What Miracle Does Your Team Carry? August 7
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by Justin Wood
“The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards” (John 21:8 NIV).
As a child with cancer, the chemotherapy side effects left me unable to use my arms and legs. The neuropathy was so severe that the doctors questioned if I would be able to walk again. But about twelve years after my cancer journey … I stood there, gazing at the starting line. I was extremely nervous, but I had trained all year for this moment. This was the state track meet. My job was to run 800 meters as fast as I could and then hand the baton off to my teammate. I trusted my training, and I trusted my friends even more. On that day, each one on the team did their part—we finished within a second of the state record. My track team, my coach, my parents, my family, my doctors, my nurses, my physical therapist, all the people who prayed—these were all part of the team that carried the miracle of me running when we were told that I may never walk again.
In today’s verse, we see a team that carried God’s miracle—the net full of fish.
These disciples followed Jesus for three years, so they knew each other well. They all experienced the joy and hardship of ministry together. They had their fights and differences. They learned to love each other. Their largest challenge came through the shock and trauma of Jesus’ death—this team all denied Jesus. They witnessed Jesus resurrected, but they still carried their own and each other’s grief and shame and confusion. Their shared trauma united them.
After a long night of catching zero fish, Jesus miraculously filled the disciples’ fishing nets with fish. Once the disciples realized it was Jesus, Simon Peter jumped into the water to swim to Jesus. Like you, Simon Peter was carrying a heavy burden that moved him to run towards Jesus. This left the rest of the disciples to carry the miracle. The team works together.
Just like Simon Peter needed a team to haul in the miracle, you need a team of people to haul in God’s miracles.
Your cancer journey team will change over time. It may begin with your caregiver standing by you as the doctor tells you the prognosis and the plan. Over the weeks to come, a member of your medical team becomes the person you go to with questions and concerns. As your appointments and procedures increase, new team members might appear to mow your lawn, walk your dog, or take your car for an oil change. Unexpectedly, you might find a confidant whom you can share your worries with as you protect your loved ones from your difficulties. As the journey continues, you discover prayer warriors who are lifting up your needs.
Even when the cancer leaves, you still need a team. In fact, you may need a great team now more than ever. Maybe a grief therapist? Maybe a godly counselor? Maybe a new Bible study group? Don’t be afraid to seek new team members.
Pray: Lord, thank You for the team You have put around me. Give us the grace to love each other more. Amen.
Your Turn: Make a list of who is on your team. What miracle is your team carrying? Who do you need to add to your team?
Justin Wood, Childhood Cancer Survivor
Justin lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with his wife and six homeschooled kids. Through his life, Justin has become a wonderful mix of entrepreneur, English teacher, and foreign missionary. He is a survivor of childhood cancer. Justin is very grateful for Cancer Companions and the opportunity to be a part of this devotional writing process.
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