Trusting Even When We Feel Alone, May 20
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Tom Corbell
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” (Matthew 27:46 NIV)
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus spoke these words while dying for you and me on the Cross of Calvary.
Imagine being there, in Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary the Friday afternoon Jesus had been nailed to the cross. It’s about three o’clock in the afternoon, and after a three-hour period of darkness, you hear Jesus cry out that the Lord had forsaken Him.
When Jesus spoke these words, He had been engaged in a mysterious transaction with the Father, dying for the sins of the world. By choosing the cross, Jesus chose to take away your sins so you could stand blameless before God. To do that, Jesus choose to be "made sin" (see 2 Corinthians 5:21) and made "a curse" for you (see Galatians 3:13). Since God is perfect and pure, no imperfection or sin can be in His presence. At the moment Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He submitted to the devastating pain of being separated from God. He was alone.
However, note that Jesus called Him "my God," making it clear that He still knew and trusted His Father. This was not the cry of a complaining servant but the sob of a brokenhearted child asking, "Where is my father when I need him?"
As a cancer patient, survivor, or caregiver fighting your battle against cancer, at times it can be easy to ask the question, "Where is my Father (God) when I need Him?" You may not “feel” His presence—but that doesn’t change the reality that the Lord is with you.
Know this: you will never be alone. You will not now or ever be separated from the loving care of God your Father. Why? Because Jesus endured that dreadful moment of separation so you, as a believer, will never have to. Jesus has cleansed you and joyfully presented you to your heavenly Father. Nothing—not even cancer—can take you from God’s loving embrace. Breathe in these powerful words of Jesus: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NIV).
Pray: Lord, help me to trust You and what You did for me on the cross. By Your Spirit, give me confidence in Your presence with me, no matter how I may feel. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Take a moment to renew your wonder and awe at what Jesus did for you on the cross. Think of how in addition to conquering sin and death, Jesus removed all possibility of your ever being alone. Lift up a prayer of thanks for this gift.
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.
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