It Was a “Normal” Day, October 10
By Justin Wood
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:24-27 NIV)
The attack on Pearl Harbor, JFK’s assassination, 9/11. Anyone alive on those days can tell you exactly where they were and how they felt when they heard the news. You also know the moment that the cancer diagnosis came. These days stand out because everything was “normal,” and then, after the event, everything was not “normal.”
Today’s passage is about a “normal” day for a group of fishermen and Jesus.
Many of Jesus’ disciples were seasoned fishermen. But this storm scared them to death, even though they had been through their own share of frightening storms and had probably heard of other deadly storms. It is the same with you and cancer. Before your diagnosis, you have been through difficult struggles and you have known others who have faced cancer, but now the cancer storm is coming for you.
I have felt much like the disciples, wanting to wake up Jesus and yell, “Lord, save me! I’m drowning in this cancer!” I am going to be vulnerable here as I share my own heart about this story and how it relates to my own cancer journey. Here are some of the questions I traveled through:
“Jesus, where did this cancer storm come from?”
“If God created this storm (this cancer), then how can Jesus deal with it? God cannot be divided against Himself. Maybe this is Satan?”
“Maybe storms and cancer just come in life?”
“Jesus, why were You asleep, allowing this cancer storm into my life?”
“Wake up Jesus! Deal with my cancer storm! You have to fix this so I can get back to ‘normal.’ I just didn’t see this coming.”
I know in the passage that Jesus had been really busy. I am sure during my cancer storm Jesus had a lot of things to manage. But I couldn’t help but feel that Jesus slept through part of my cancer journey—and He could have at least rolled over and given me a heads-up.
I picture Jesus asking me as He did the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Have you been listening to Me? I have told you I am bigger than any storm. I understand you are afraid of dying and you are holding on tightly to your life, but you are holding on to the wrong things. The storms of life may damage your body or even take your life, but the eternal part of you will never be separated from Me. ‘Because I live, you also will live’ (John 14:19 NIV). Hold on to Me.”
After our storms were over, the disciples and I marveled, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27) My conclusion: Jesus was with me during my entire cancer experience. Yes, to me He did seem asleep for part of it, but looking back, I can see that He was there with me the whole time. And He never was “asleep on the job.” (See Psalm 121:4.) Apparently, Jesus wants me and my faith to meet the storm head on—with Him.
Pray: Jesus, forgive me for thinking this was just going to be a “normal” life with no storms. Push me each day to see Your truth: storms are momentary, and You and I are eternal. Give me the faith to face my storms head-on—with You. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you allowing your desire for a “normal” life to dull your faith? Face life’s storms with faith and courage. Listen to Casting Crowns’ powerful song, “Just Be Held.”
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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