What Really Matters, October 30
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Thomas Sherrod
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV).
The children of Israel wanted to be like other nations and have a king. They chose Saul as their king. However, King Saul developed a rebellious nature. Thus, God instructed Samuel, God’s prophet, to pick one of Jesse’s sons as king. The children of Israel had tried it their own way. But Saul had turned his back on God. Subsequently, God informed Samuel of a better way to find a faithful king. Samuel is told to look at the heart and not the outward appearance. Thus, a lowly shepherd boy, Jesse’s youngest son David, was decided upon as Israel’s new king. David proves to be faithful, and is eventually portrayed as a man after God’s own heart. God looks at the heart.
What a comforting word! We are prone to place undue emphasis upon our outward appearance. Who has not stared into the mirror and wondered how to correct an imagined imperfection? I have looked with disdain at my double chin, my large nose, and my expanding waistline.
Thank God that He is primarily concerned with the condition of your heart. Your outward appearance is temporary and constantly changing. Cancer may have altered your physical appearance. You may have lost hair or gained weight. You may have thought, “Who is that in the mirror?” You may have imagined that friends or family are looking at you differently.
God tells you He does not see as man sees. God looks to your heart. God knows the suffering you have endured. He hears the yearnings and cries of your heart. He knows the valleys you have traveled. God knows how your heart swells with love for family and friends. He knows the joy you feel as you receive encouraging emails, Facebook messages and phone calls. He knows your name. The words of Isaiah 49:16, “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,” remind you that you are a permanent part of Him. God not only walks with you through your darkest nights, but shares in celebrating your victories and moments of joy.
May God give you eyes to see His heart. His heart is overflowing with mercy, love, and grace. His heart is outstretched, seeking to lavish His love on you. Romans 5:5 tells us, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” God assures you of your place in His heart.
Pray: Lord, thank You for Your love poured out into my heart. Thank You for Your constant loving presence. Remind me that You look upon my heart, not my outward appearance. Amen.
Your Turn: Stop for a moment and listen for God speaking words of love and comfort to your soul. Receive the security that He will meet every need of your heart through His riches in glory.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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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