The Light of Blessing, August 17
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:25 NKJV).
My mother suffered a stroke twelve months before she died. The stroke primarily affected her speech. My brother and I alternated caring for her on weekends. It always brought me joy when her eyes would light up as I entered her bedroom. She was unable to speak, but her eyes communicated volumes. She seemed to say, “It is so good to see you,” and “I love you,” all in a brief glance. Since her death, I have told many people that if you have a gracious mother, there is no one else who looks at you just that way. I miss her, and I will always remember the love generated through her smiling eyes. I thank God for that cherished memory.
God instructed Moses to give a priestly blessing to his brother Aaron and his sons. They were to use this blessing from God to bless the children of Israel. The blessing is one of most familiar in the Bible. It is contained in three short verses. Today’s verse, “The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you” is the second verse of the blessing. It communicates the desire of God’s heart towards His children. God longs for His children to know His deep and abiding love.
Sometimes traveling the cancer journey tempts you to think that God’s favor has abandoned you. You may think God is punishing you. You may long for a gracious and loving gesture from God. You may simply want a sign that you are not alone. Friends or family may not know what to say, so they don’t say anything. Or worse, they may find a reason to stay away. At times it is difficult to find someone to walk with you through this season.
This priestly blessing is a powerful healing word to the struggle you may be experiencing. It asks that God’s face shine upon you. His loving and favorable countenance is requested. God’s merciful Spirit is invited to dwell with and transform you. His grace is summoned to bring healing to your soul. This blessing is not earned. It is freely bestowed upon you.
May He give you the ability to receive His love. May His love soak into your soul like a gentle nourishing rain.
May His presence befriend you and dispel any hint of loneliness.
May the assurance of His favor warm your heart.
Simply put, may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you!
Pray: Lord, may Your face shine upon me with love and mercy. May the intensity of Your love heal my soul. Thank You for the free gift of Your grace recreating and transforming my life. Amen.
Your Turn: Think of someone who looks upon you with unmerited love. Now, envision God looking at you, His beloved child, with an even purer love.
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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