The Word Is Near You, September 7
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Tom Corbell
But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:8-9 ESV).
She lived in a nursing facility. She had been abused all her life by men. She would have nothing to do with a male chaplain. Her nursing assistant had tried to get her to call me to come, but to no avail. About two weeks passed, and as her health began to deteriorate, she finally asked for me to come. Within fifteen minutes after receiving the call, I walked into her room. I kept a respectful distance from her. After a few minutes, she wanted to talk about eternal life.
I shared with her Paul’s words in our passage for today: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).
Before my eyes, she received Jesus as her Lord.
The next morning, she called for her nursing assistant to get her dressed. She wanted to be properly dressed when she met her Lord. About three hours later, her eyes closed in death.
Cancer may have been her diagnosis, but it could not touch her spirit. Three days later, I conducted her resurrection service.
Cancer can take many things from us, such as strength, mobility, and independence to do things for ourselves. However, it can’t take our faith, belief, and trust in the Lord. As you read this devotion, notice that it is just one of many. Our common ground is Jesus. His last recorded words give all of us a promise that suffering cannot change: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 ESV). Praise the Lord, who never abandons us.
Pray: Lord Jesus, we thank You for walking our journey with us. You promised us, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18 ESV). We praise You, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: Cancer and other trials in life may strip you of certain things, but it will never be able to take away Jesus and your faith and hope in Him. Meditate on the words of “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Matt Papa, and sing Hallelujah!
Tom Corbell, Hospice Pastor
Tom is a Lutheran pastor who has served Jesus in both North and South Carolina for forty-nine years. Six of those years he worked as a Hospice Chaplain, and he encountered cancer daily. The privilege of praying, working with and supporting cancer patients and their families is an honor.
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.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
