… serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13b).

When my husband, Mark, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I immediately went into “support mode.” There seemed to be no time for us to take it all in, to breathe, to rest, or to admit this was our current reality. We jumped in with both feet, trying to figure out how to beat this thing. I read ALL the material the hospital provided, went to all doctor visits and took copious notes, and kept up with the calendar and his medications so nothing would be missed. It seemed we were operating in disbelief—this couldn’t be happening. At the same time, we did our best to take actions with urgency, while trying to remain positive and hopeful.

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:1-2 NIV).

When the test results come back confirming cancer, we can sometimes feel like lepers. How can I compare cancer with being a leper? Cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by slow-growing bacteria that attack the nerves, which untreated can lead to paralysis and production of deformities. The descriptions alone strike fear into your heart, don’t they?

The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan (Joshua 5:12 NIV).

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand (Proverbs 19:21 ESV).

The local hospice called and asked me to visit Sandra. It was my first visit to her home. When I came into the house, Sandra was sitting in a recliner. I introduced myself as “Chaplain Tom.”

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:23-24 NIV).

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24 ESV).                                                

Writing to you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, is an honor, blessing, and privilege. Sharing personal feelings about my cancer journey isn’t the easiest thing to do. Through these devotions you are given a front seat to see the wonders and miracles Jesus has granted me through His grace and mercy. How can I be thankful, if an all-loving God allowed a disease like cancer to disrupt my life? I am glad you asked. 

My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off (Psalm 38:11 ESV).

Holidays are a time for celebrating and rejoicing with loved ones. We can share touching memories and funny stories with friends. I love to gather with others around a table filled with turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. However, for some, the festive season might bring loneliness and a sense of isolation. Everyone does not have a supportive, close and loving family. Or some years are especially difficult due to a recent loss. 

He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40 NIV)

How can you have a spirit of thankfulness when you’re told you might have breast cancer the evening before Thanksgiving?

How can you celebrate Christmas with your family when that diagnosis has become a reality and you are preparing for surgery four days later?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

Despite Thanksgiving’s Hallmark sentiments and overstuffed turkeys, sometimes we just can’t summon the energy, let alone the desire, to be thankful when life’s left us overwhelmed, exhausted, and frightened of what’s to come. So what are we to do?

For you are great and do marvelous deeds, you alone are God. Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever (Psalm 86:10-12 NIV).

It was Thanksgiving 2019. Thanksgiving Day has always been a very special time in my family for being together....

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful.… (Hebrews 12:28a).

…that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith (Romans 1:12 NIV).

Mark and I communicated well, but after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, it seemed we were each quietly absorbing what this could mean for his future and our plan to grow old together. At first, we tried not to worry the other with what we were feeling. One night, my feelings and fears became intense. I just couldn’t hold them in any longer and I burst out crying.

Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you (Galatians 5:1 MSG).

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21b NIV).

With cancer, it may seem like you’re losing everything—your health, work, dreams, plans, relationships, loved ones, financial stability, and more. Holding on to your faith in God when everything seems to be slipping away can seem impossible.

Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men (Mark 2:3 NKJV).

My brother, who was my mother’s main caregiver, called and asked if I could come once a month to assist with our mom’s care. I was glad to make the trip once a month to help my brother and my mother through a difficult time. My wife was gracious enough to accompany me on the trips. An unexpected benefit was our time together talking while traveling to help my mother.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning (Psalm 130:5-6a NIV).

What are you waiting for today? Will it be worth the wait?

The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer (Psalm 6:9 NIV).

Psalm 6 is King David’s prayer for healing. He is seriously ill. Death is imminent. Pain is severe, intense, and never-ending. Crying and groaning, his strength, energy, and vitality slip away. His suffering extends far beyond the physical to the corners of his mind and the depths of his soul.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29 NIV).

Has there ever been a time in life where, upon looking back, you found yourself to be stronger than you previously realized? Maybe something you were able to accomplish which, beforehand, you had some real doubts about? Sometimes we may be surprised to find out how much strength God gives us … right when we have need of it.     

…and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away (Mark 16:3-4 NIV).

I walked into the physician’s office expecting to hear we would monitor the biopsy results. The shock of seeing the stoic, almost embarrassed, face of the doctor is still etched in my memory. My brain turned off as he told me my prostate biopsy had eight positive sections for cancer. The words sounded like an idle tale about someone else. I was handed a book as I walked out of the office, stunned.

My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you (Job 42:5 NIV).

How do you know? Have you ever been there? These questions probe for first-hand knowledge, searching for something to trust. My earlier devotionals were written from second-hand knowledge. I had facilitated a cancer support group for nineteen years and supported my wife through thyroid cancer. However, these did not qualify as first-hand knowledge.