Taking the High Ground, May 26
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills” (Habakkuk 3:19 NKJV).
It was amazing to see the bighorn sheep in Glacier National Park walking on the side of rocky cliffs. Any human would need ropes, picks and climbing gear to manage the terrain. The sheep had no problem navigating the most treacherous and steep inclines. I had to stand in awe of God’s creation as I took pictures of these majestic creatures. Today’s scripture proclaims that God will make us walk on our high hills. Yes, we might be walking through a valley right now, but God’s promise to be our strength and lift us out of the chasm is a vision that gives me hope.
It is easier to see the landscape from the top of the mountain. The most elevated position on the battlefield is the prime location. And we know we are in spiritual warfare as we seek to stay close to the Lord. The scripture’s sobering reminder that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (see 1 Peter 5:8b) shakes us out of our complacency.
Cancer may have taken you to a low place. The chemotherapy and radiation can be exhausting. Spiritual questions of “Why me?” and “What about my family?” can drain you of energy. Not being able to visualize what is around the next corner may test your faith. You may grasp for anchors as the sea becomes choppy. This scripture is a foundation you may stand upon. God will give you strength and the ability to reach the high places. You may experience spiritual heights that you never thought possible. You may let go of what you thought was of ultimate importance and grow spiritually in your walk with Jesus. But we must never lose sight of the phrase, “and He will make me.” It is God who will make you walk on higher ground. All your striving leads to frustration. Surrendering to God is the door to victory. This promise is not cheap positive thinking, but the narrow road of faith to higher places.
Pray: Lord, please supply me the courage to continually surrender to You. Kindle within my heart the fire of Your love. Help me see the vision of higher ground You have prepared for me. Give me the humbleness of heart to praise You for lifting me out of the miry clay and setting my feet on solid ground. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to help you envision standing on a mountain peak where you can see the valley you may be in or have been through. Call upon God’s Holy Spirit to thank Him for delivering you from trials and tribulations and setting your feet upon the rock.
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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