In 2014, I heard the three words nobody wants to hear: “You have cancer.”
I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer that had already advanced to stage four. I would later discover that my chances of living another five years were only 20%. On that day in April 2014, my life, my family, and every plan I had for the future changed forever. My dreams for my future and my family’s future were crushed.
Because so much depended on me, I had overlooked the red flags warning me of serious health problems. I should have been tested long before I was.
Maybe you are in a similar place today. It might not be cancer, but perhaps your life—or an essential part of it—has been devastated. As surely as I am breathing right now, I can tell you there is hope.
God was not finished with me in 2014, and He is not finished with you now. He has a plan for you, your life, your children, and your family. If you are going through a trial, take heart.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Nothing Surprises God
Nothing surprises God. He knew I had cancer before I received the diagnosis. He had a plan for me, and He knew that you would be reading this today.
When I was diagnosed, there was nowhere else to turn. I needed a miracle. Sometimes God performs miracles quickly, but often the journey takes time. When we are going through a trial, we need God’s wisdom and the wisdom to make a plan.
Because God already knew about my cancer, I trusted that He also had a plan. I sat in front of my computer and asked Him to show it to me. Then I became still, waited to hear from Him, and began typing.
Thoughts came to my heart, and Scriptures illuminated my mind. When I finished typing, I had the framework of a battle plan that helped keep me strong throughout my fight with stage-four cancer.
“Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: ‘Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.’”Proverbs 1:20–21, 23 NLT
Getting a Plan and Working the Plan
Psalm 18 says that God teaches us how to fight and makes our arms strong enough to bend a bronze bow.
Every battle is different, and each one requires a specific strategy. God can give us the strength we need to fight in the areas where our battle must be fought.
In ancient warfare, there were armor-bearers, foot soldiers, horsemen, and archers. Each served a particular purpose and was equipped for a specific role in the battle.
The One who knew about your trial before it began also knows how to lead you through it. He can train your hands for battle. We need to seek Him, listen for His guidance, and remain open to the wisdom He provides through Scripture, prayer, trusted people, and qualified professionals.
Ask God for a plan, and then faithfully work the plan one step at a time.
“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Psalm 18:34 NIV
Prayer
Lord, You see everything I am going through right now. You know the end from the beginning. Nothing surprises You because You knew about this trial before I did.
Your Word says that You give wisdom and can teach me how to fight this battle. You promise that when I ask and seek, I will find answers.
Please give me a plan for getting through this trial. As I look to You and seek Your guidance, make the next steps clear to me. Confirm Your direction through Your Word and through wise, trustworthy counsel.
I praise You for Your faithfulness. You are an all-knowing and loving God, and You can create something beautiful from this situation.
I give You my life and my difficulties, and I thank You ahead of time for Your answers.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8 NIV
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for spiritual encouragement and general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are facing cancer, another illness, trauma, PTSD, or a mental health condition, please seek help from appropriately licensed professionals. Discuss these suggestions with your healthcare provider or counselor and ask which approaches are appropriate for your circumstances. Never delay or discontinue medical treatment based on information in this blog.
