Wisdom-Keepers, September 22
By Tom Corbell
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV).
Strong, passionate, and longtime Christians often receive a cancer diagnosis and lean into their faith. Maybe this is you? After your diagnosis, you may have prayed more consistently and passionately. Verses may have come to mind and resonated with new meaning. Friends probably called to offer help and to say they were praying for you. Praise God for all the seeds of faith planted in you so you would have the blessings of prayer, scripture, and fellowship on your cancer walk.
Then come the endless appointments, disturbing procedures, repetitive treatments, worrisome scans, and at some point the arrival of a fatigue stronger than any exhaustion you have ever known. Some days it’s harder to think, and on bad days it’s harder to move. Your mind might focus on your current side effect, your next treatment, and your doctor’s directions—but only when chemo brain is not getting in the way.
Now prayer is probably still a vital part of your day, but the chaos of cancer might distract you from certain prayers your heart needs: praises for each victory along the path, prayers for others’ needs, or requests to God for help from family and friends. Scripture could be hard to focus on some days, and attending church may be sporadic at best. You haven’t forgotten God. It’s just harder to stay focused on Him, even though you know with certainty He’s the One carrying you through your cancer. You need a wisdom-keeper. God knows you need a wisdom-keeper.
For God to produce a John the Baptist, God had a wisdom-keeper: Elizabeth.
For God to raise up a Samuel, God had a wisdom-keeper: Hannah.
For God to save Israel, God had a wisdom-keeper: Joseph.
For God to give to the world a Savior, God had two wisdom-keepers: a man named Joseph and a woman named Mary.
Each of these times a wisdom-keeper appeared, it was during a time of struggle. God knows that in times of hardship it’s much harder to keep our eyes on Him. Cancer is certainly a time of struggle.
Wisdom-keepers are like the shepherds in today’s verse: “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” Think of it! A person with a heart for the Lord who goes with you through good cancer days and bad, just to keep His knowledge and understanding in your view.
As you face cancer, your wisdom-keeper can help you see each sighting of Jesus in your cancer journey. They do this consistently, week after week. And it’s even better if they “get it”; if they understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there, too.
We cannot assume that we can obtain wisdom all on our own. We need Christians with understanding, love, and a desire to draw near to those in need. We need wisdom-keepers! As you journey with cancer, look to see how God is providing you the encouragement of wisdom-keepers along the way.
Pray: Dear Jesus, it’s not a question of faith; You know I love You. I know You are carrying me through this cancer, and I know how much I need to stay focused on You. Send me a wisdom-keeper to help direct my thoughts towards You. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you prefer not to talk about your cancer because it’s upsetting? Combining talk of scripture with talk of cancer deals with the hard emotions, leaving you with renewed hope. List three people you think might agree to be your wisdom-keeper. If you are in need of a wisdom-keeper or some cancer devotionals, Bible studies or prayers, contact Cancer Companions—www.cancercompanions.org.
Tom Corbell, Hospice Pastor
Tom is a Lutheran pastor who has served Jesus in both North and South Carolina for forty-nine years. Six of those years he worked as a Hospice Chaplain, and he encountered cancer daily. The privilege of praying, working with and supporting cancer patients and their families is an honor.
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.
