The Big C

  I’ve heard people refer to cancer as the big “C” instead of calling it cancer, others would say the word quietly, or state “we don’t say that word”. In my book cancer is the little “c” and Christ is the big “C”.

   I find it interesting that Christ and cancer can both dramatically change a life; both words are hated but thankfully cancer more than Christ. Yet some accept you more readily if you have cancer instead of Christ in your life. With cancer you may die once but without Christ there is a second death far worse.

   When the doctor walks into the room with books in hand you know the report is not good. No one likes to hear they have cancer, which has now knocked once more on our door. The doctor visits can have more ups and downs, twist and turns, than the wildest roller coaster ride. Doctors in giving comfort say if you’re going to have any type of cancer this is the best type to have, then give a report that it is aggressive and too advanced for surgery, then continue to eliminate the treatment options leaving you with one – but that they are certain it will be successful. They may say there is only one option but I say they haven’t met my God yet.

   When we have a bad report or devastating circumstances in life some tend to keep it under wraps due to fear, shame, embarrassment, or variety of other reasons. The enemy wants nothing more than to keep us silent, tormented and defeated. When there is a battle to be won do we really want to fight it alone instead of having others on our side to support, pray, encourage, and hold us up when necessary?  Looking at biblical examples Moses had help holding up his arms while the battle raged on; Jesus took his disciples to the garden in his anguishing hours, He told Peter, John and James, to stay awake and pray. Ecclesiastes says two people are better off than one… If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. We were not meant to face life alone.

   Whether it is cancer, betrayed by a spouse, loss of a job, or some other life altering situation – don’t give ear to the enemy – THERE IS HOPE, it is found in Jesus Christ. In troubling times we can’t lean on our own understanding, especially when we have no paradigm grid for what we have not been through before. When we do not know what the future holds we can, and need to, trust in the One who does. His word will be a lamp unto our feet and give comfort as we trust Him with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding and in all our ways acknowledge Him and let Him direct our path.