One More Time

Dear Friends,

In 2011 I was diagnosed with cancer. Some of you might remember that journey because you walked through it with us. As you can imagine - or as you know from your own experience - being diagnosed with cancer is a bit intimidating. There are all sorts of worries and fears that spring to mind as you anticipate what's ahead, and in many ways it can feel like your world has been turned upside down.

Fortunately, God took us through that experience in 2011, and for over 10 years I have been cancer-free. When my oncologist said I was officially in remission, I remember telling him that the “cancer club” was one I could go the rest of my life without being invited back to. It seems however, that God had different plans for us as I was recently diagnosed with cancer again. The good news is that they caught it early, it appears to be a different type of cancer, and it’s treatable. So we’re preparing ourselves for surgery in February, and then treatment after that.

As I’ve been processing this news, I’ve been reminded that when life gives us unexpected and unsettling news, the best thing we can do is hold on to what we know is true. In the midst of difficult things, the enemy likes to lie to us about the One we've put our trust in, which is God. But when we go back to what we know is true about our loving Father, it helps us navigate through the difficult stuff, and keeps us from getting confused by Satan's lies about God and His love for us.

So that's what we’ve been doing these past few weeks: holding on to what we know is true which is that God is still God. He never changes. He was not taken by surprise with this diagnosis. He is still in control and His sovereign plan is for our good. But possibly the most encouraging to me is the fact that the name of Jesus is still the name above all names - even “cancer.” And that’s a truth that can carry each of us through every single situation in life, as we are reminded that the One in whom we put our trust is all powerful and cannot be overcome.

So today, no matter what’s going on in our lives, let’s hold on to what we know is true. Let’s allow the reality of God's nature and character to comfort us, guide us, and equip us to live for Him no matter what challenges we may be facing.

Amen?

Daniel