The Voice of the Spirit is Speaking, May 6
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Sharon D. Ware
“For the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals instructions to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7 OSB).
The spirit of fear is all around us and can prohibit us from hearing God’s voice. Many have fears related to economic downturn, decaying social conditions, and declining morality. Those who have been given a diagnosis of cancer may have a very real fear of poor health, pain, suffering, and loss of independence. These issues are constantly staring you in the face. Fear seems to be part of the human experience. Nevertheless, we have no need to fear because the Spirit of the Lord is speaking to and guiding us, even in the worst of times. The Spirit of the Lord is preparing God’s people for things to come if we turn our hearts toward Him.
God prepares His people in times of crisis. He spoke to His people through His prophets of the Old Testament. He is speaking through the Holy Scriptures today. Regardless of what is happening in the world, God will show His people what to do, how to protect themselves, and when to act, regardless of how chaotic things might seem.
The Old Testament book of Exodus tells of when God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were living in the land of Goshen in Egypt. This area was ruled by Pharaoh, a cruel taskmaster. When it was time for the Israelites to return to their homeland of Canaan, God sent Moses to deliver them. However, Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites from their servitude. God sent plagues to convince Pharaoh to let the people go, but he refused. By all accounts, for the Israelites things must have seemed to be in chaos. Many may have thought the world was ending as they knew it; they experienced darkness, blood in the water, and all sorts of pestilence roaming about the land in large numbers. In the midst of this turmoil, God spoke to His people and prepared them for things to come. He gave them instructions for their protection during the last and most devastating plague, the death of the first-born children. They were instructed to place the blood of a lamb over the doorposts of their homes and the death angel would pass by.
The Lord has not stopped speaking to us. Through our trusted ministers, the Holy Scriptures, and possibly a still small voice, the Lord is still speaking to us—giving us guidance in things such as what we should do and how we are to walk with Him. As a caregiver for a person with cancer or even one who has been diagnosed with cancer, we are called to quiet ourselves so we can hear what God is saying to us.
Being able to quiet your heart and listen to God during a cancer journey may seem difficult. But your loving God knows your need, and He wants you to receive from Him. Listen, and watch for how He will speak in ways that you can hear His voice, even (and especially) now.
Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to calm myself so I can clearly hear Your voice in times of tribulation. Let me not fear what I have heard or seen, but trust in You and wholly hope in your Word. Amen.
Your Turn: What is God speaking to you today?
Sharon D. Ware, EdD, MSN, MA, RN, CCHC-C, Cancer Survivor
Sharon is an Eastern Orthodox Christian. She retired in 2015 from nursing when she was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer and given a few months to live. Her life was turned upside down. She underwent chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Cancer Companions, along with her faith in the Lord, allowed her to cope with her new normal. Sharon is still receiving chemotherapy seven years later and believes her ultimate victory is trusting in God.
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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