Sunday Tidbit: Battling Cancer, Oppression, and Unbelief

    The last tidbit I shared was when the doctor informed me that I had lymphoma. Thoughts such as “What will happen now? What about chemotherapy, which can have a devastating effect on our blood cells?” How much has this cancer spread? Stress, fear, anxiety, and self-pity tried to steer my thoughts and feelings, and thus my behavior and reactions. Like a ton of bricks, the weight of these “life and death” implications tried to settle upon me. 

    I realized that the diagnosis brought spiritual warfare, the battle for the mind. Nothing has power over you except what you agree to. Though the diagnosis may be true, I knew the answer: His name is Jesus. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites us to exchange our heavy, exhausting burdens for His divine nature and ways. In doing so, He will give us rest – His rest, the harbor where we are sheltered from the storm. For a renewed determination,

     Worship places us in the presence of Jesus. As David said, “In your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalms 16:11). Worship is not an event but a way of life. With His name on my lips, I continue my daily life of singing my praise and prayers unto Him. Whether driving, shopping, in my office, or walking, I let worship happen. The lightness of His presence lifted me up. So, with lightness of heart and abundant joy, I shared with my wife that this diagnosis is only a bump in the road, and we will address treatment when the time comes. She agreed. 

    Another spiritual battle emerged. That of unbelief. When the doctor informed us that there were no signs of cancer, he said, “Most likely you will never have cancer or the need for treatment.” He also suggests that we schedule a follow-up appointment. I attributed this reverse thinking to “double-mindedness,” seeing things from a medical view rather than from a God-given miracle. This is understandable for a doctor, but not for God-fearing Christians. 

    Out of heartfelt concern, others asked whether I planned to follow up with my dermatologist. This may reflect their love and care for me, but it is an expression of unbelief. It is as if to say, “We believe in God and in miracles, but just in case…!” This line of human wisdom only serves to diminish, even discount, the miracle of God. Jesus didn’t say to the blind man whose eyes He had healed, “Now follow up with your eye doctor just in case you start to go blind again.”

    If I have a checkup, it will be to testify to God’s healing grace. Jesus asked those who were healed to go and give a testimony of God’s goodness. Testimonies not only bring glory to God but also solidify our healing and build others' faith to receive their healing.  God honors faith.

     A friend of mine in Pakistan used my testimony to create a PowerPoint presentation. He displayed it on the big screen and held a healing service. I asked him whether people were healed, and he said, “Yes, there were many.” He has now scheduled a regional healing service for May 17. This is faith in action that will multiply God’s healing power.

     Regardless of what we are going through or of a doctor's diagnosis, Jesus remains Lord and on the throne. Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. He promises peace to those who trust in Him (John 14:27).  

       We don’t have to wait until we are in heaven to be in His presence, for He is with us now! His presence renews our strength and imparts His wisdom, counsel, divine nature, and healing virtue. Rise up and worship the Lord, for there in His presence we can rely upon His strength, rather than our own ability to face life’s spiritual and natural challenges. Because of His grace, I feel stronger, with more spiritual vitality and energy. Isaiah 40:31 comes to mind, 

     “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary: and they shall walk and not faint.”

      To God be the glory! In His heart and love - Roy Roden