RISING THROUGH THE SHADOWS OF CANCER
Cancer. The word itself holds such weight. For those of us who’ve heard it spoken over our own lives, it’s more than a diagnosis—it’s a shadow that threatens to consume us. Last year, on my birthday, I discovered that the rapidly growing mass on my neck was likely cancerous. The day after Mother’s Day, I learned it was indeed cancer: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My world shattered. I was devastated, overwhelmed, and terrified. Every emotion poured over me like waves, and I was drowning, unsure of how to breathe.
Maybe you’re there now, or maybe you know someone who is. I want to share what I’ve learned in this journey—not from a place of having all the answers, but from knowing deeply that God does. If you’re struggling under the weight of your diagnosis, know this: God is with you, and His love for you has not wavered for a moment. Here are four truths that carried me through my darkest days, and I pray they can be an anchor for you too.
1. Lean into God's Strength: He Will Uphold You
Cancer, or any life-threatening illness, has a way of draining us of strength. But here’s what I discovered: even when my strength was gone, God’s strength was there, holding me up. Isaiah 41:10 became my lifeline: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Some days, I couldn’t even pray with words. I’d simply whisper, “Lord, hold me.” In those moments, His presence was unmistakable. So, when the weight of this battle presses down, remember that God is holding you in His righteous right hand. Let Him be your strength.
2. Allow Yourself to Feel, Then Pour it All Out to God
When I first received my diagnosis, I was crushed. I cried for days, retreated from the world, and struggled to find the words to pray. But God doesn’t ask us to hide our pain. He wants us to pour it out to Him, to lay our burdens at His feet. Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”
God is not afraid of our emotions; He’s ready to receive every tear, every cry, every fear. When I finally opened my heart to Him, I felt His peace begin to wash over me, little by little. Don’t hold back—let God be your refuge, a safe place to express your pain.
3. Surround Yourself with Faithful Friends Who Will Lift You Up
For a while, I withdrew from everyone. But a friend came to me, encouraged me to go back to church, and reminded me of God’s promises. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” God places people in our lives for moments like these—people who will stand beside us and speak hope when we’re struggling to find it.
Even if it feels hard, reach out. Let friends, family, and your church family remind you of God’s faithfulness. Isolation can make the burden heavier; community lightens it and brings healing in ways we may not expect.
4. Trust God with Every Step—He Has a Purpose in Your Pain
One of the hardest questions I wrestled with was, Why? Why would a loving God allow me to face something so devastating? But in those moments of desperation, God’s purpose began to shine through. Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Though the pain was intense, each chemo treatment and every tear brought me closer to God. Over time, I saw that He was using this battle to strengthen my faith, to shape me, and ultimately, to help others. Leaning into His purpose doesn’t always bring instant relief, but it brings peace, knowing that even in suffering, He is at work for our good.
When I think of God’s healing power, I’m reminded of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34. For twelve years, she suffered. She tried every remedy, exhausted her finances, and still found no relief. But her faith led her to Jesus. She reached out, touched His cloak, and was instantly healed. When Jesus turned to her, He didn’t just acknowledge her healing; He affirmed her faith, calling her “daughter” and telling her to go in peace.
This woman’s journey reminds us that no matter how long or difficult our struggle may be, our faith in Jesus has the power to bring healing—sometimes in our bodies, but always in our souls. Cancer may threaten our lives, but it can never steal our identity as beloved children of God.
If you are walking through the valley of cancer today, know that you are not alone. God is with you, upholding you, hearing every cry, and placing people around you to walk with you. Cling to Him with everything you have. There will be dark days, but there will also be moments when His love breaks through like sunlight. Your battle is hard, but God is faithful. You will rise through this.
