Chemo Station Number Four, October 2
By Linda Tripp
Then King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm. He said to his advisers, “Didn’t we throw three men, bound, into the fire?”
“Yes, of course, Your Majesty,” they replied to the king.
He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:24-25 HCSB).
Several years before my breast cancer diagnosis, I went to a women’s Bible study on the book of Daniel. The vivid stories captured our hearts, especially the story of the three men the king commanded to be thrown into a fiery furnace if they would not renounce God. As they stood feeling the heat of the fire they would soon be thrown into, they told the king that their God was able to save them from the fire, but even if He did not, they would never renounce Him.
During the Bible study our teacher used the story of facing a breast cancer diagnosis, not a fiery furnace. One of the members of our group had a sister going through a fiery breast cancer battle at the time, which made this lesson especially vivid for all of us. Little did I know that just a handful of years later, I would have the chance to personally live out this example.
When I began my own cancer journey, this lesson came strikingly back to my mind. As I faced the unknowns of this scary trial that could end in my own demise, I wanted to stand strong in my faith, just as the three men had. I knew that God could take the cancer away from me right away, and of course I prayed asking Him to do that. Wouldn’t we all like to not even feel the heat of the flames? But I knew that even though God has authority over every moment of our lives, in His wisdom, He doesn’t always spare us from the fire.
Once it became clear that God was allowing my cancer journey to move forward, the lesson of the three men reminded me of a beautiful truth. In our verses for today, the king stood amazed, as not only did the three men live through their furnace journey, but their bonds were gone, they were walking around in the fire, and there was a fourth person with them! They were not alone in the fire! Who else could it be, but the presence of their God? Don’t you wonder what the four said to each other in those moments?
The image of the FOUR in the furnace became precious to me. When I went to get my chemo treatments, each station had a big number hanging from the ceiling identifying it. I chose to sit where I could see that big “4” hanging from the ceiling every time I received the chemicals in my veins to kill the cancer cells. The Lord used this story to remind me that I was not alone in my journey; truly the Son of God was with me every moment.
Whatever fiery trial you are facing, may you know that Jesus does not leave you on your own to face it. He is the true King and He is walking through the flames with you, bringing about His good purposes for your life, even through the fire.
Pray: Lord God, this cancer journey can be scary, and without You, I can feel so alone. Give me Your Spirit to strengthen me and to help me know that You are with me every moment of every day. Thank You that Your love for me is greater than anything I face, and that You give me freedom to walk through it with You, unbound. Praise to You, Lord. Amen.
Your Turn: Does the number four have new meaning for you now? Look for it, and when you see it, let it be a reminder to you that you do not stand alone.
Linda Tripp, Cancer Survivor
Linda is a retired 7th grade math teacher and breast cancer survivor. She and her husband, Michael, live in Dayton, Ohio, and are blessed to enjoy three grown children, their spouses, and six grandchildren. Linda received support from the Cancer Companions ministry during her cancer experience, and is happy to participate in it now so more people’s lives can be touched by His Word through their cancer journey.
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.
