Puppy Love, October 19
By David Gira
… careless in the care of God (Matthew 6:26 MSG).
Cancer is scary. The uncertainty, unknowns, and demands can be overwhelming. You’ve never had more reason to worry, yet Jesus tells you not to. He invites you to be “careless in the care of God” (Matthew 26:6 MSG).
Our two standard poodles, Molly and Poppy, live the good life—food twice a day, plenty of treats, long walks, and naps, a fenced-in yard for playing, and sleeping by our bed (sometimes on it). They have a groomer who keeps them looking beautiful, even pinning a bow in their topknots before sending them home—with a gift-wrapped treat.
Some might find this excessive, but we absolutely love our pups. My wife especially has always been crazy about poodles, and I’m crazy about my wife! Consequently, Molly and Poppy don't have to worry about anything.
One day after a long walk with Molly and Poppy, I sat down at a picnic table at the park. Molly, our eight-year-old, lay down in the cool green grass. Poppy, our six-month-old, busied herself sniffing the ground and testing the limits of her leash. Both were completely careless and carefree.
As I watched them amidst nature’s beauty, I thought of Jesus. I remembered Him sitting atop a hill, teaching His disciples not to worry. Likely under a sky as clear and blue as mine, He gave the crowd and His followers this brilliant object lesson:
“Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. Walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?” (Matthew 6:26, 28b-29a, 30 MSG).
While our love for our pets may be crazy, God’s love for you is far crazier. His love for you is infinite, immense, and extravagant. Nothing comes close. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
If you can take such good care of your beloved Pucci, and I can take care of Molly and Poppy, imagine how well God can and will take care of you. You are his beloved child. He won’t make you beg, do tricks, or dress you up in a silly outfit! He will gladly be present, provide for, and protect you. Sometimes, He may even pamper you!
As the old hymn by Civilla Martin proclaims, “God will take care of you.” Sing, say, or pray the chorus now and often:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o'er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.1
Pray: Lord, cancer is so hard. Help me to always trust that you will take care of me. Thank you for all the ways that you already have. Amen.
Your Turn: Take a moment to listen to Aretha Franklin’s performance of “God Will Take Care of You”. This is from her 1972 album, “Amazing Grace.” It is truly amazing. Just listen.
1. Civilla D. Martin, “God Will Take Care of You,” Hymnary.org, accessed October 14, 2023, https://hymnary.org/text/be_not_dismayed_whateer_betide.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a seven-year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
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.
