Either you or someone you know has likely had cancer rip through their life like an uncontrollable tornado. According to the AACR, In the United States, an estimated 2 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and 611,720 people will die from the disease. They also mention that on a global scale, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases in 2022. These stats are staggering, and while we have more cancer treatments available to us every day, no one wants to be diagnosed with cancer or see a loved one suffer through this disease.
What Do You Do If You Or A Loved One Is Diagnosed With Cancer?
This summer, just a couple of weeks before a planned family vacation, my dad got the news he had colon cancer. Our family was shocked and overwhelmed by this news. Cancer has always been the story of my family. My dad lost his father to cancer when he was only 17 years old, and he has lost three siblings to cancer since then.
Learning my dad had cancer was not only an emotional roller coaster. It triggered another season where I had to lean into my faith even more. I know this life is not one where we can escape the trials and tribulations. Cancer is a terrible disease that takes life away without cause or justification. So, when I heard of my dad’s diagnosis, I had to remember my faith and God’s promises, no matter what the outcome would be.
The key to facing any struggle or trial is to cling to your faith and adjust your mindset and perspective. Below are four things to hope for in God’s Promises through cancer trials.
God Is Sovereign Over All Things, Including Sickness
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained. – Job 42:2 (WEB)
I do feel like one season in life prepares you for the next. There has been an ongoing season where I have had to fully trust in God’s Sovereign will over my life. The longer I walk this walk with Jesus and have the years slip through my fingers like water, the more I realize there is a lot of peace in leaning into God’s sovereignty.
It is not always pleasant, and sometimes I wish I could control and change a lot of things. Nothing will test your faith more than a situation that makes you ask yourself, “Do I trust that God is sovereign?” Some people have even walked away from their faith because they don’t want to wrestle with the surrender it takes to trust God with everything, everyone, and everywhere.
Even Jesus had to surrender to God’s sovereign will over His life, what makes us think we are any different?
“He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.” – Luke 22:41-43 (WEB)
I don’t have the answer as to why you might have cancer, or why a loved one died. But I do know leaning into God’s Sovereignty will allow you the opportunity to find peace and comfort. Faith is a free gift from God that you get to choose in ANY situation. You just have to choose to receive it, utilize it, and trust it.
God Is With Us Through Our Suffering
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 (WEB)
There was a time when I could not get off the couch. I would lie there with my weighted blanket for hours, only forcing myself to do something if I had to do it. There was a moment when I thought nothing would get better, and I was losing hope, fast. Tears are welling up in my eyes just thinking about the pain I experienced in that season and the questions I had to wrestle with and still am wrestling with.
But even though I was in so much pain, and life has not fully been restored to me, I have never felt like I was walking through that valley alone. Today, I am more intentional with my faith and trusting God. I have to walk away from the fear—which is what landed me on that couch under the weighted blanket—and I know I can’t escape the suffering, but I also can live my life as I am walking through it.
I don’t know why you or a loved one might have cancer, but I do know that God has promised to bring comfort to anyone who is suffering if they turn to Him.
Jesus Promises Healing And Hope
“Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.” – Matthew 4:23 (WEB)
It is so interesting to me that some Christians struggle with the truth that Jesus can heal them. I think this is also a sensitive topic within the church and even among those who are survivors. Healing isn’t always met with joy, or even welcomed. There is always the pain of when the healing doesn’t happen on this side of heaven. And there is pain when healing does happen for one person and not the next.
However, there is no doubt that Jesus came to heal the sick, and through the Power Of The Holy Spirit, He can heal us even now.
This can happen in many ways, and we can be healed through the following:
- Doctors: I do believe doctors have the ability to heal their patients.
- Laying on of Hands: I still believe certain people have the gift of healing today.
- Through prayer: Praying for the sick is a privilege that we get to do because of Jesus.
Let’s not forget the healing that takes place as we walk through trials. There are so many other ways we can be healed through the Power of The Holy Spirit. I think it is key to remember that Jesus healed every disease and every sickness.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.” – 1 Peter 2:24 (WEB)
I don’t know why healing happens for some people struggling with cancer, or why it doesn’t happen for others. But I do know Jesus is willing to bring healing to your life, even if it’s not what you had expected. There is always hope when we trust in Him, no matter what.
The Hope Of Eternity In Heaven
“For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory..” – 2 Corinthians 4:17 (WEB)
The greatest promise is the one we have built our faith on—Jesus came and died for our sins, and anyone who believes in Him will spend eternity in heaven. Cancer can be unpredictable and cause a lot of pain and grief in your life. Even if you beat cancer, you do not come out the other side the same person.
The truth is cancer is a life-changing and life-threatening disease. But as a Christian, there is always hope. Jesus was able to endure the cross because of the hope of eternity. You can endure the painful trials of your life, including cancer, because if you believe in Him you have the same hope!
If you are not a Christian, then this probably doesn’t ring true to you, and you may not feel encouraged by this truth. I get it. But one thing you need to know is that this promise is available to you, just like it’s available to me and everyone who believes in Jesus.
If you want the hope of eternity in heaven, you simply need to profess your faith in Jesus. He is the only One who can cover your sins and stamp you with the seal of The Holy Spirit. This is how you get into heaven, not by your own doing or by your own efforts to “be good.”
As soon as you accept Jesus into your life, you will understand the beauty of surrendering everything to Him and trusting Him. To be saved, you just need to “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9 WEB)
Here is a simple prayer you can pray to be saved:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today to confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I know that Jesus is Lord, and through Him, I am saved. Give me the Holy Spirit, so I may walk in your truth and live a life completely surrendered to You. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
Let’s Encourage One Another
“Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (WEB)
There is so much we cannot control in this life. However, there is one thing we can always choose to do: to show up.
Let’s encourage one another in every painful and scary season of life. We can pray for each other, offer meals, visit people at the hospital, and do whatever is in our power to simply show up for those who are suffering from this terrible disease.
Count your blessings and know that God cares about relationships. He wants a relationship with You, and He wants you to build relationships with those around you.
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