Restoration #8 of 9-The Highest High, the Lowest Low, and Jesus-August 8
Written by Justin Wood
“When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread” (John 21:9 NIV).
Many have written of cancer’s connections to post-traumatic stress. When exploring my own cancer journey, I came across this idea of “post-traumatic growth” from two psychologists, Tedeschi and Calhoun.1 The idea is that people who experience traumatic events can also see profound growth and development after the difficult event. Cancer impacted me so much that I cannot imagine my life without my cancer journey. My highest high and my lowest low are all part of my cancer story.
Today’s verse is one of the most critical Bible verses to understanding growth after difficult experiences. “When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread” (John 21:9).
On the shore, Simon Peter found three things to overcome the trauma of loving, losing, and returning to Christ: burning coals, fish and bread, and Jesus. The words “burning coals” only occur one other time in the Bible. The night before Jesus was crucified, Peter was asked three times if he knew Jesus. Three times, Peter said “no.” This, Peter’s lowest low, took place beside “burning coals.”
One of Peter’s highest highs is seen in the fish and bread which greeted him on that beach. During Jesus’ ministry, Peter witnessed Jesus feeding 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. So back to today’s verse, when Simon Peter ran to Jesus, he found both the symbols for tremendous highs and devastating lows in his life, and the source of healing—Jesus. Can you see through Peter’s path the three things you need to grow through your cancer journey?
First, you will probably see the lowest, worst times. Hold onto them.
Second, if you gaze long enough, you will begin to see some of the best moments, maybe even precious miracles. Hold onto them.
Third, you might be like Simon Peter and not recognize Jesus at first, but if you gaze into your cancer journey for long enough, you will see that Jesus is there. He was always there. He wants to restore you. Hold onto Him.
Pray: Jesus, give me the strength to gaze upon my cancer journey with eyes to see the highest high, the lowest low, and You. Amen.
Your Turn: Talk with a friend about your worst parts, your best parts, and the times in the journey where you cannot see Jesus clearly—yet.
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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