Setting Our Priorities, June 5
Written by Dan Held
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46 NIV).
The year my wife, Sue, was diagnosed with breast cancer happened to coincide with our 50th wedding anniversary. We’d already made plans for a November trip to Hawaii to celebrate. The surgery was scheduled for October with reassurances from her oncologist: “Go ahead and take your trip. When you return home, we’ll schedule whatever next course of treatment you’ll need.” And so, we took our trip as planned.
One day upon entering a well-known island gift shop in Hawaii, we were lured into a chance for a free authentic pearl. Sue would reach into a basin filled with oyster shells and pick one out. No guarantees. The sales lady then cracked open the shell in front of us. Voila! She won! Time for the resident jeweler to visit our table with the lovely gold ring settings available on sale that day. With free mounting available in the store! Any guesses how we responded?
More impending cancer treatment. Our 50th anniversary. Hawaii. Free pearl. Cha-ching! Oh, and with purchase would come two more chances. Pick two more oysters. Okay, why not? Sue picked two more. Both were cracked open to the sight of another lovely pearl each. Then the return of the jeweler. Golden earrings to match the ring. Oh, my. Now what?
Three free pearls and nearly $1,000 lighter in the wallet, we left with our treasure. Sue was starting to feel undeserving. But I needed a way to let her know she came first. Not the money. Not the cancer. She was my pearl of great price. The rest can all come later.
God has sent to you His Son, His Spirit, His Word, His creation, and so much more—just to declare that He is your pearl of great price. He is worth all that you have and more.
Cancer likes to tempt you to find value less in God and more in treatment, doctors, procedures, and new discoveries. Each of these are highly valuable and can bring healing and more to your life. But as scripture reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV). Medical advancements, successful treatments and gifted physicians are all good things and undeniably a gift from above.
Perhaps this is what Jesus meant in His parable of the pearl of great price. We need to seek God’s Kingdom first. Let God know He comes first. The rest can then all come later.
Pray: Heavenly Father, You are deserving of all our praise. Today we put You first above all things. Even our cancer can wait. Your Kingdom and others we love are our highest priority. Our prayer is in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your Turn: What priorities today will you place above cancer?
Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver
Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.
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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