Looking in the Rearview Mirror: Lessons Learned While Battling Cancer
Thirty-one years ago this month, I found myself in the arena with the beast we call “cancer.”
What I experienced dealing with the reality of this horrendous “enemy” is not something I would ever want to go through again. But I wouldn’t trade what I learned during this ordeal, either.
In looking back over that season in my life and the years that have followed, I have learned many things:
1. Each day is a gift from God. Because my primary role on earth is to honor and glorify Him, each day is an opportunity to do just that—through my attitude, my words, and my actions.
"For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
1 Corinthians 6:20
2. Everywhere I look, there’s evidence of God’s mercy, love and grace. I thank Him daily for His faithfulness.
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23
3. Coming to terms with my mortality was made easier when I found peace and assurance in the biblical promise of eternal life with Jesus Christ.
“For it is appointed unto man once to die, but after that the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.”
Hebrews 9:27
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:15
4. I am thankful for my trials, knowing that God is using them to “grow me” spiritually, as well as accomplish His greater purposes through me.
“For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.”
Romans 8:28
5. I can find God’s strength in my weaknesses, like Paul, who suffered from his own thorn in the flesh.
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10
6. I appreciate the power of prayer, and the prayers of others that lifted me above it all during this season of pain and suffering.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5: 16b
7. I can intercede for others who are struggling with minor, as well as life-threatening, issues.
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
James 5: 16a
8. Accepting forgiveness for my failures and shortcomings helps me to forgive and show grace to others more readily.
“And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends.”
Job. 42:10
9. I trust in the Lord and seek His highest will and purpose for my life, with the hope of His approval and applause when my journey is over.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5–6
10. Living one day at a time, I recognize I cannot change the past and the future is uncertain and, mostly, out of my control. But I can choose how to live in the present!
“Choose for yourselves this day whom You will serve….”
Joshua 24:15
All verses are from the NKJV, ©1982, Thomas Nelson Inc.