The Pain Changer, September 21
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Gerald Wood (Justin’s father)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth (Isaiah 53:7a NIV).
After the initial spinal tap and bone marrow extraction, my wife and I were insistent we would always be with Justin for those procedures. The staff had been insistent that patient and parents didn’t do well together during the trauma of the procedures. The child was awake for the procedure, even when they placed the needle into the bone. Keeping the child still was important and emotional parents would not help.
We explained to Justin he had to be cooperative in order that we could stay with him during that traumatic time.
His conforming reminded me of this prophecy about Jesus: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7a).
That was a tall order for a three-and-a-half-year-old—the excruciating pain, his mom stationed by his head, and with me holding his hand, kneeling down beside him, trying to make eye contact. (I can still hyperventilate every time I emotionally take myself back to that event, which happened many times during three years of leukemia treatment.)
Christ had to do it alone, distanced from the Father on the cross: “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34b NIV)
But on the cross, Christ was separated from God for a purpose—for us: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV).
While pain is isolating by its nature, no one has to go it alone. Christ did that one for us.
There is a place to embrace Him. He’s the life-changing pain changer for all eternity.
While our presence with Justin brought comfort, I was reminded that Justin’s lack of expression came as a result of conforming, and may have caused him to hold the pain inwardly. Justin had to learn to give that pain to Jesus.
No matter how hard we try, no one but Christ can hold our pain with a redeeming purpose.
Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for facing the cross alone, so I never have to be without You. I place my pain into Your hands, and trust Your redeeming power. Amen.
Your Turn: Who knows about your bad cancer days? Have you held your struggle inwardly? God designed us to go through life’s struggles connected to Him and to others. If you have not shared your struggle, trying to protect those you love, consider connecting with someone outside your circle who “gets it.” Check out www.cancercompanions.org.
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.
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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