Restoration #1 of 9 After the Trauma, Stay Connected, August 1
Written by Justin Wood
“After these things Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He revealed Himself in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas who was called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together” (John 21:1, 2 NASB).
“Stick together! You will be in big trouble if your hands touch anything! Do you hear me?” I was giving my kids a serious pep talk as we entered the hospital. In my scolding, I realized that my angst about entering the hospital was not about my kids. I was irritated because hospitals remind me of my battle with cancer. This showed me that I needed the Lord to restore some frayed ends from my cancer journey—but how?
The question lingered in my mind as our large family wandered the hospital hallways. We arrived at the waiting area and I again gave strict instructions for my young kids to touch nothing with their hands. After visiting our relative, I stepped out to see my kids sitting with their hands behind their backs. They were playing a new game. They were licking the armrests on the chairs in the waiting room!
Jesus and His disciples went through a restoration process after He was resurrected. The disciples had hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Much like in cancer, the trauma of Jesus’ crucifixion impacted each individual differently. And just like with us, Jesus had to address each person’s need differently. For me, I hungered for Jesus to reveal to me a new understanding of my cancer trauma. Fortunately, Jesus loves to reveal Himself.
Allow this seed to sink into your heart from verse one: “Jesus revealed Himself again.” Jesus is coming for you. He knows the trauma you have been through. You may feel hurt or shame or confusion. Those are real and honest feelings. Jesus will come to you again. He will honor your woundings and He will love you in a new and fresh way. He will reveal the frayed or torn places in your heart, and He will weave:
Peace where cancer brought stress.
Confidence where cancer brought doubt.
Strength where cancer brought weakness.
Courage where cancer brought fear.
Joy where cancer brought despair.
For most of us, these precious revealings do not come every day. What can you do while you wait for Jesus to reveal Himself to you after the trauma of life? In verse two, we see that His disciples “were together.” The same guys who fussed and argued over who was the greatest, chose to be together after the traumatic events of Jesus' crucifixion. It is essential to not isolate yourself after the trauma of cancer. In a group of friends and family, you can begin to process your thoughts and feelings. While you wait for Jesus to show up, choose to be together with others.
As you wait for Jesus to show Himself in your life, explore relationships. Become curious about being a friend, a spouse, a parent, or a grandparent all over again. Explore the ebbs and flows of friendship. Give it a try. You’ll soon find yourself spending time with those who love you and test you as a person. However, just to be clear, I would skip trying to lick the armrest in the hospital waiting room if I were you.
Pray: Jesus, thank You that despite all my woundings and trauma through this cancer journey, You will reveal Yourself again. Until then, show me how to stay connected. Amen.
Your Turn: Refuse to isolate. Choose to connect with friends and family. Call a friend instead of texting. Meet for lunch instead of calling.
Justin Wood, Childhood Cancer Survivor
Justin lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with his wife and six homeschooled kids. Through his life, Justin has become a wonderful mix of entrepreneur, English teacher, and foreign missionary. He is a survivor of childhood cancer. Justin is very grateful for Cancer Companions and the opportunity to be a part of this devotional writing process.
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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