“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, KJB
I’ve always liked this verse. It has given me a godly perspective on cancer which is included in the “all things”. I’ve also become more aware of His purpose for my cancer journey.
What has cancer taught me and what is it teaching me still? I’d say: MANY THINGS!
For brevity, I will cite 10, namely…
1. YOU BECOME AN AVID COMPULSIVE RESEARCHER.
You want to understand this disease, why it is so complex, why it has multiplied in our time, why it’s dreaded by many.
2. YOU BECOME PICKY WITH FOOD.
The connection between food and cancer is downplayed and yet bad food choices play a major part. I’ve learned to pick healthier options because the right food is medicine to the body.
3. YOU QUESTION THE MEANING OF LIFE.
The Bible asked, “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
4. YOU VALUE TIME MORE.
You prefer to engage in things that truly matter. You don’t want to waste any second doing something that will not impact your life and that of others. You major on the majors and minor on the minors.
5. YOU PRAY MORE FERVENTLY.
You realize how powerless you are to control the uncontrollable. Thus you pray to the true Power in this world. You bend your knees. You close your eyes. You groan. You learn to speak the language of your Creator.
6. YOU LOVE MORE INTENSELY.
You become more inclusive. You reach out to others. You are quicker to help. You yield the fruit of the Holy Spirit. You give compassion. You say “I love you” more often. You love because you are loved.
7. YOU LIVE MORE INTENTLY.
Cancer does not define you. It’s hold over your life is weakened by the many miracles you have experienced. You focus on pleasing God.
8. YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR THE LITTLEST THINGS.
You get choked up for the prayers sent your way. You revel at the love that’s been showered to your walk. You are grateful for the tiniest creature comforts you get to enjoy.
9. YOU TRANSCEND THE STING OF DEATH.
It has lost its power on you. You’re no longer its hostage. You embrace it. You are reconciled to the fact that it’s not the worst thing. It becomes the portal through which you become immortal.
10. YOU FLOURISH IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS.
Through the lens of His amazing grace and infinite love, you see the world from His perspective. You become the person You’ve never met before. You are transformed by the Saviour of your soul. As He reconciles the world to Himself, you become His voice, His hands, His feet, His vessel…. willing to fulfill His wonderful purpose for your life.
Daily, I see my life verse come alive…
“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21, KJB