I was diagnosed with and treated for cancer over 10 years ago. After 8 years in remission, my cancer recurred 2 years ago. Following more surgery and 3 different regimens of chemotherapy, my cancer was unaffected. Now it’s time for more aggressive surgery.
A friend asked me, “Why you? Why has God allowed this to happen to you?” I could think of several possible reasons: 1) we live in a fallen world, and disease is a product of sin; 2) God could be testing me; 3) God could be providing an opportunity for me to witness through my illness; 4) God could be providing an opportunity for me to draw closer to Him and depend on Him more fully.
I can thankfully and truthfully say that this has drawn me closer to God and deepened my trust in Him. I have learned with Job to say, The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21, NIV). God is sovereign and omniscient and omnipotent. So, what better place for me to rest than in the center of God’s will? I cannot possibly know God’s plan in all of this, but I am reminded that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).
Romans 8:17 says, Now if we are [God’s] children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory (emphasis mine). Wow! That’s an attitude changer. Sharing in His suffering! Well, so far no one has tortured me and nailed me to a cross, so my issues are nothing by comparison. Can we possibly rejoice in suffering? The apostles did (Acts 5:41). And we are called to do the same (1 Peter 4:13).
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
So, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me (Psalm 23:4). Praise the Lord!
Leave a Reply