The One and Only God Almighty, November 21
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Ashley Taylor
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, preparing a traditional meal, and enjoying this meal with love, laughter, and conversation. Most importantly, this day makes us stop to reflect on and share all for which we have to be thankful. This Thanksgiving, I was especially grateful for God’s goodness in my win against breast cancer and overcoming every obstacle along the way. My thoughts were on Psalm 86:10, “For you are great and do marvelous deeds, you alone are God.”
A specific memory came to mind from my cancer journey. James and I had taken a trip with close friends in between two of my chemo treatments. The trip was a blessing for which I will always be grateful. Having said this doesn’t mean the trip was without trying moments. From the start, I faced obstacles against normalcy—such as not being able to get in the water at the pool or the beach, and having to be completely covered up and protected from the sun. But my spirits would not be dampened!
However, at the airport coming home, I was tested. I was selected for a random search and pat down. No big deal! But they wanted me to take off my head wrap to run it on the conveyer belt by the x-ray machine—which was a big deal for me. My baldness was not something I shared with everyone. I admired those who comfortably wore their baldness, but I was not one of them. I had never considered this might happen. I was definitely taken by surprise and felt tears begin to form in my eyes. I thought, “Lord, what else, what else will I have to endure in my fight against cancer?”
When I was cleared after the pat down, I could not even speak to my sweet husband who was trying to comfort me. I had to find a quiet spot by myself, take some deep breaths, and pray. I asked the Lord, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11). The Lord answered my call for help and provided the strength I needed to persevere and cope with what I was feeling. I was able to overcome the frustration and hurt, rejoin my husband and friends, and find joy in being with them.
That Thanksgiving, I thanked God for His goodness in giving me the strength to persevere, for the people He had put in my life to help me along my cancer journey, and for the hope He grants as described by Paul: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV). For what wondrous deeds will you praise the Lord and glorify His name?
Pray: Almighty God, You alone are God. We praise You for Your faithfulness and Your love for us. You are always there to help us cope and persevere through whatever obstacles we face. Let us always turn to You, for Your ways are perfect. Amen.
Your Turn: List God’s beautiful blessings in your life as you listen to “All of My Days” by Hillsong Worship, and sing of His greatness.
Ashley Taylor, Cancer Survivor
Ashley is married to James, and they have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. All four are big Tar Heel fans, having attended the same school, UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2020 Ashley obtained her roofing license to help with her family's business. She is a breast cancer survivor. She has been grateful for the opportunity to join the devo team for Cancer Companions, to reach out to others for God’s glory for His goodness in her cancer journey.
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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