Growing up in Texas, I often heard the saying, “It’s not over ’till it’s over.” I never realized how important that idea would become—until I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Quoting and personalizing Scripture was one of my most powerful tools, while fighting cancer. That old saying isn’t scripture, but its truth echoes through the Bible. Consider that fateful Friday: a tortured Savior hung on a cross, then was lovingly prepared for burial and laid in a tomb.
For the disciples, Friday was the end. Nothing feels more final than death. But God had other plans—Sunday was coming with a resurrection.
6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”
Luke 24:6-7
He Cares
Did you know that “Jesus wept” at the death of His friend Lazarus? Even though He knew He would bring Lazarus back to life, Jesus still grieved. He felt the weight of loss and respected it—and so should we.
God has the capacity to handle every level of grief we carry. People can only walk with us so far, but He knows what’s ahead and still cares deeply about how we feel in the “in-between.” He is present in the moment, giving us courage and companionship when we’re faced with painful realities.
Jesus wept.
John 11:35
Prognosis, Odds, Facts, and Hope
A prognosis is a prediction based on facts and statistics. I’m a practical woman—I don’t ignore reality. While still believing and fighting to live, I planned my funeral. I underestimated the emotional toll it would take. Writing it out left me in a sorrowful fog for days, but God met me there. He gave me practical ways to process grief and reminded me that He walks with us in the darkest valleys.
Years ago, during the Ebola outbreak in Africa, thousands died quickly and painfully. When missionary doctor Kent Brantly contracted Ebola, he experienced firsthand the suffering he had witnessed in his patients. He later said:
“It was the words of scripture set to music that brought me the greatest comfort in the darkest times of my illness,”
Kent Brantly
We Have Hope
We don’t know God’s plans. Some questions won’t have answers this side of eternity. Facts and statistics have value, but they are not the final word. God cares about our pain and walks with us through it—even if He has a “Resurrection Sunday” planned that we can’t yet see.
Survival isn’t guaranteed, so it’s wise to get right with God—it’s the most important decision you’ll ever make. But while there is breath in your lungs, there is still hope.
Seek out stories of those who have beaten the odds. Let their courage inspire you. Learn their methods. And above all, hold onto the truth: as long as you’re still breathing, it’s not over.
