Cancer Encouragement

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

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

…The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

 But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:2

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

God designed tears. They release emotions and pain that are too overwhelming and deep for words; let them be your prayers. Maybe you’ve always felt that you must be strong and can’t cry or show weakness. Cancer gives you no choice while providing us with a “justified” reason to cry. In this, we find healing and a vulnerability we may not have previously afforded. I wrote this little poem entitled “Let the Tears Flow” for my friend. Like many people, she had to grow up too fast, and her emotions or hurts were never allowed. Cancer has released tears that she’s bottled up since childhood. She’s learning through cancer that God loves her and doesn’t want that childhood for her. He is healing that inner child through the experience of this disease as she learns it’s okay to be weak. Cancer can heal us in so many ways.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“The Lord your God is in your midst,
A Warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with joy;
He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins],
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

Zephaniah 3:17

If cancer were a punishment, almost everyone would have it. Sickness is an age-old question, and I don’t think we will know the fullness of answers until we have limited minds and hearts in heaven. Some causes can be genetics, exposure to toxins, and other components. There are many factors at work in a diagnosis. Wherever your cancer originated, God wants to use it in a mighty way to bring restoration and healing into your soul, not just your body. Although I’d not choose cancer, after nine years of NED, I sincerely say I’m thankful for God’s blessings through the journey.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with advanced, aggressive Stage 4 Breast Cancer. (If interested in the nitty-gritty number details, click HERE). I recently celebrated my 9th year in “NED” No Evidence of Disease” status. Although I’d never want to have it again, I’m thankful that God healed my soul and heart as he healed my body. God walked me through chemo, surgery, and radiation, and He will do it for you.