Letting Go of Self-Sufficiency, June 18
Written by Thomas Sherrod
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
I was blessed with three daughters. They are a joy and have helped enlighten a man that was raised with two older brothers. My daughters often tease me, reminding me of what I repeatedly said to them when they were growing up. Apparently, one of my favorite sayings after they asked me for something was to ask the question, “Is it a want or a need?”
Today’s scripture tells us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Our needs are drastically changed when cancer invades our lives. We may need a ride to receive treatment. We may need someone to bring food for us. We may need medical advice or simply a listening and compassionate ear. In other words, those of us who are nurturers may need to accept help from others.
Receiving help can be a humbling and embarrassing position to be in. We might feel like we don’t want to be a burden to anyone else. We may be so used to giving, it is hard to be on the receiving end. We may feel like we have to repay someone for their help, and we don’t need another burden on our plate.
As I consider this scripture, I am reminded that as believers, we are constantly confronted with letting go of our pride and receiving God’s grace and His mercy. We cannot save ourselves. We did nothing to deserve God’s forgiveness on the cross. The gift of eternal life is a gift to be received, lived, and shared. May we see the person bringing food, listening to our thoughts and feelings, mowing our lawn, or driving us to another appointment as God supplying our need? God desires to reveal His love for us in simple ways each day. May God give us the humbleness to receive His help in ordinary ways as we travel through this cancer journey.
Pray: Lord God, thank You for Your loving promise to supply all my needs. Help me to let go of things that get in the way of receiving the loving provision that You have for me, and to receive with a humble, thankful heart. Amen.
Your Turn: Will you ask God to help you let go of the burden of needing to be self-sufficient? Will you consider receiving someone’s help as a way of God supplying your need?
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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