There’s a Miracle on the Horizon!, September 25
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Elvin McLin
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed (John 20:8 NIV).
In the book of John chapter twenty, a miracle of epic portions happened. This event was not about seeing Jesus work a miracle. The miracle was about not seeing Jesus—not seeing Jesus in the tomb. The apostle John paints the scene of this true miracle, as he shares what he has witnessed with his own eyes. The tomb was empty! A miracle had occurred that couldn’t be explained. The body of Christ was gone. The linen cloths His body was wrapped in remained—but where was He?
Marc Semmelmann1 has experienced his own version of a miracle resurrection. He is the only long-term survivor of a rare form of cancer. For Marc, no matter how intense the treatment was, the cancer kept coming back. Unwilling to quit, Marc looked for a miracle on the horizon. His treatment required two IVs. The first IV provided a liquid coating to protect his heart and veins from being fried by one of the most powerful cancer drugs, doxorubicin. This drug is so powerful it could cause a third-degree burn just by merely touching your skin. Marc spent many days in a medically induced coma caused by the powerful drug combination. Marc never gave up looking for his miracle.
Today’s verse tells us John saw the empty tomb and believed. The miracle the Lord spoke of had materialized right before John’s very eyes! Jesus told His disciples (and us), “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19 NIV). John could see it was a miracle! He didn’t need to be convinced any further. Could you? Could you look at an empty tomb and believe the ultimate miracle—the resurrection of Christ—had occurred? Looking for the power of Christ when you are surrounded by cancer is perhaps the ultimate challenge of cancer.
Marc Semmelmann looked for a miracle on the horizon, and he lived. As believers standing on the promises of the Word of God, we too may look for a miracle on the horizon! Because Jesus lives, we know and believe our miracle-working God is all-powerful and all-faithful. As you look for His miracles, stay passionately focused on the miracle of the resurrection. The resurrection did not just bring Jesus life, it brought you life. Our souls will one day leave our “tombs,” just as Jesus left His, and be reunited with Him. Hallelujah! Keep your eyes on the horizon!
Pray: Lord, may we continue to hold fast to believing that You have provided a miracle on the horizon as we battle cancer. Amen.
Your Turn: Is there a miracle you would ask God for? Is looking for a miracle on the horizon too big?
1. Mary Murphy, “Miracle Man: Local Survivor of a Rare Cancer Shares His Story,” Fort Worth Magazine, November 9, 2020, https://fwtx.com/news/health/miracle-man/.
Elvin K. McLin, Cancer Survivor
Elvin is the husband of Dominique. They live in Ellisville, Missouri where they share five beautiful adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Elvin is an entrepreneur who began his journey with cancer in 2019 with stage three and stage four kidney cancer. As he was healing from the first encounter with cancer, another battle with cancer reared itself in the form of prostate cancer. Elvin has been welcomed by Cancer Companions to become a member of the Board of Directors.
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.
