“The day cancer showed up in my life, God showed up bigger.” That’s what our T-shirts say.
Cara and I are privileged to walk with Jesus through a cancer journey, ever since she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer last year. It took a few weeks to sink in and become real, but when the diagnosis finally hit home for my wife and for me, here is what we knew:
Jesus is bigger than cancer.
Wow, that truth alone has made all the difference in the last nine months. Amazingly, it has helped us through many other hardships as well.
Jesus is bigger. Period. End of discussion. Whatever you are enduring, suffering, worried about, ashamed of, dealing with or otherwise not in control of … Jesus is bigger.
Yes, we pursued medical means for her treatment and recovery. Yes, we agreed that diet, exercise, homeopathic supplements and lifestyle changes were part of the journey. Yes, we did some research. But none of that promises to be bigger than cancer.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s all very good, very helpful and I believe Jesus used it for healing. But it’s still not bigger than cancer. Only Jesus is.
We learned to truly believe that like we’ve never believed before. Once in a while I now turn to my wife, smile, and say, “thanks for having cancer, because …” And she playfully smiles and nods. And we both know what we mean. Because we both believe that Jesus is in it with us, and without this journey we wouldn’t be as wise, as strong, as faith-filled, and as filled with awe and praise for God.
Adults like to put Band-Aids on kids, believing that what the kids believe about the Band-Aids can’t hurt and may help: kids believe Band-Aids have healing power.
If you believe that about children, then think for a second about the power of faith in Jesus when you need healing and help. He’s bigger than Band-Aids, is almighty and perfect, fully forgiving and loving, able to answer every single prayer.
So take your vitamins. Go for your morning job. Listen to your doctor. But don’t trust in them as much as you trust in Jesus.
PRAYER: Jesus, you love challenges and can’t wait to show up and show off in my life. I pray that my faith in you invites you into my hardships more often with such awe and acceptance that no matter what you do, I praise you. Now I ask for your healing, especially for _________. Amen.
CHILDREN’S LESSON: Ask your kiddo what they think about Band-Aids and if they help. Then compare to Jesus.
