God Is With You in the Waiting, December 12
By Karen Tripp
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night (Luke 2:8 NIV).
Cancer journeys are often more about waiting than doing—waiting for the next treatment, the next scan, the next doctor’s appointment, and ultimately the next bit of news. When you’re busy doing things, it’s easier to think that the news will be good. But, during all the waiting, your tendency can be to start thinking, “What if it’s bad news?” Me—I’m rotten at waiting. I’d much rather be doing.
Being a shepherd is all about waiting for bad things to happen. Shepherds are there to keep dangerous animals away, help a ewe with a difficult birth, and of course, carry home a lost sheep. But one night, on the fields in Bethlehem, the shepherds heard some good news—from a company of heavenly beings.
At first, we think that the shepherds could not possibly have expected a message from God as they were at work that night. But at the time of the first Christmas, God’s people had been waiting to hear from God—for over 400 years. I have problems waiting for dinner; I can’t imagine waiting 400 years.
Some historians call this the 400 years of silence.1 In Old Testament times, God sent His prophets to speak to His people. The last one was Malachi, and then God’s people began waiting to hear again from God. They waited, and waited, and waited ... until 400 years had passed. That’s a lot of waiting for some news from God.
· Maybe they thought that God had given up on them.
· Maybe some began to think that God really never cared at all.
· Maybe they began to doubt God’s power to make a difference in their lives.
· Maybe there were even some who thought God was punishing them.
It’s easy to let your mind wander down paths like these in the silence.
What has your waiting been like on your cancer journey? Maybe your mind has wandered down some of these same paths. God knows cancer can make persistence tough.
That’s why I love this verse Paul used to encourage the Ephesians: “... and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13b ESV). There are two amazing, revolutionary ideas here.
First, Paul says you can get to a place where you have “done all.” When I feel stressed or worried, my mind seems to naturally drift to “I should be doing something.” This verse reminds us that what we do is so much less significant than what God does. Sometimes, He asks us to just wait on Him.
Second, Paul reminds us to “stand firm,” to remember. Remember, even in the waiting, there is no news you can hear that God cannot carry you through.
· God is more than able to heal your cancer.
· God is more than able to protect you through any treatment.
· God is more than able to carry you to your heavenly home in His almighty, loving arms.
Remember—God is with you in the waiting. God is bigger than any bad news. You are His beloved Child whom He adores. Amen!
Pray: Jesus, there is so much to be done to push back the cancer from my life, and yet I know my acts on this cancer journey are nothing compared to Your mighty ways. Show me the contentment that can come from standing firm—with You. Thank You for claiming me as Your own. In You, I am more than a conqueror. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to the words of Laura Atkins' "To The One Who Can Save Us" (inspired by another story of waiting on our God, found in 2 Chronicles 20) and stand firm in your faith, knowing God is with you.
Karen Tripp, MS, LMFT, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Executive Director of Cancer Companions, the premiere national Christian cancer ministry (https://www.cancercompanion.org). Her roles have included authoring several Christian books including God is Bigger Than Your Cancer and working as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is a daughter of a colon cancer survivor. Karen uses her experience to teach how to step into another person’s struggle to help build their faith while strengthening your own.
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.
