John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
A short while ago my sister-in-law died from cancer. Today, a dear friend just told me she had been diagnosed with her 2nd cancer of this year. The news was like a blow to my gut. If that is how I felt, I can only imagine the impact the diagnosis had on her and her family. I do remember the heartache I endured both times my wife battled cancer.
Major illness makes one ask questions. Many of those questions begin with “why”. Why me (him/her)? Why now? Why is God allowing this to happen? The questions are plentiful, but the answers few and far between. Perhaps when we get to heaven we will find the answers we are looking for but in this life they rarely come.
Perhaps though, we are asking the wrong questions. Instead of “why”, a better question might be, “How can I glorify God during this time of illness?” “What does God want me to do in this season?” “Does this illness offer new opportunities to serve?”
When considering major illness, two Biblical promises are vital for both our understanding of the situation and our comfort during the illness. The first is John 16:33 quoted above. Jesus promises we will have trouble in this world. He does not promise to keep trouble away, but rather to give us the strength to overcome.
When we, through the power of God, live joyfully and peacefully despite difficult circumstances, we will be a light to the world and God will be glorified. That may not change our situation, but it will change our heart, and may allow others to see the joy God brings. That in turn will reap a reward for eternity.
Another promise from the Bible is Romans 8:28 which tells us, “… that for those who love God, all things work together for good …” This verse does not mean that only good things will happen but rather that God brings good out of everything when we trust Him. Even bad things can turn into something good when we give it to God.
When my wife was being treated for cancer the second time, she was such an inspiration to me. Of course she (we) prayed for healing, but she also fervently prayed for open doors to tell others about the Lord she loved so much. God honored those prayers and abundantly provided opportunities for her to witness about His goodness.
Before going for each of her treatments, my wife prayed that God would give her someone to share the gospel to. Each and every time God granted her request and she was able to tell someone about God’s love and forgiveness. Often she was able to pray with them as well. These were people who were very aware of their mortality and in need of hope and comfort. My wife would have never had the opportunity to talk to them without her illness.
There is also the realization that God’s plan for us may include difficult circumstances. In the book of Genesis it was God’s plan for Joseph to be sold into slavery and later put in prison so that eventually he would be in the right place to save both Egypt and Israel from starvation. Jesus’ life would have had little meaning without the cross. Paul’s imprisonment gave him the time to write much of the New Testament. God may bring a major illness into our life because that may be what is needed for us to fulfill all the works God has prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
Let us trust God. Let’s put our focus on Him and His kingdom rather than our circumstances. When we do this we will wholeheartedly be able to agree with Paul when he wrote, “For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Most Holy God, give me eyes to see everything through Your perspective. Help me to view this world and my life in the light of eternity. Grant me a heart full of peace and joy that is beyond understanding. Cause me to live victoriously!