When Life Changes With One Word – Cancer
When I looked at the September calendar every week was filled to the brim with events and activities. I braced myself for a busy month and stood at the starting line ready to run. Before the first week came to an end, my plans were altered, my heart was heavy, and everything normal had to be set aside.
When I got the call that confirmed my dad’s cancer, the weight of every letter of that word pounded deeply within my chest with a huge question mark at the end. C-A-N-C-E-R-?
My heart hurt. My stomach churned and I immediately felt helpless, weak, and unable to fix the problem.
We all have some type of struggle that leaves us filled with questions. Sometimes it’s the problems we can’t fix, the things that make us worry, or the dreaded words we fear the most – divorce, wayward child, job loss, sickness…
When hard times pile on top of you like heavy boulders and your spirit begins to feel crushed there is a place to find relief.
It doesn’t take away the problem, fix every difficult thing, or make life easy, but it carries us through the things we cannot sustain alone.
Cancer is a heavy load even though it’s everywhere and treatments are advanced. It’s heavy. It’s hard. And it hurts. But Jesus. He carries us every step of the way.
Last week my dad’s diagnosis was confirmed. This week he faces major surgery. And the week after that we have no idea what the outcome will be, but we do know this – Jesus is more powerful than it all.
If you feel burdened, loaded down by a life filled with heaviness, let Jesus carry you moment by moment, day by day.
I know it sounds so simple when someone who isn’t facing your problem tells you to have faith, but I’m learning when I surrender my heavy burden I hear from heaven and my load is lifted. Your’s can be lifted too.
We don’t walk through trials alone, God is with us. We don’t cry in solitude, Jesus feels our deepest heartache. We don’t curse God’s name for this unwanted diagnosis, but rather we learn to cherish the gift of desperation that draws us closer to His heart and makes us tune our heart and ear to His voice.
What can you do when you face the unknown difficult parts of life? Get close to Jesus and let Him soothe your unraveled emotions, comfort your concerns, and strengthen your deepest desires for faith.
Cancer
by Micah Maddox
October 1, 2016
Though sickness looms
And we feel fear
Jesus is with us
He sees every tear
No matter the pain
Or what we go through
God is with us
He will be with you too
When I fear the worst
And can’t see ahead
I’ll trust in God
And lift my head
There is no rain
Or storm too strong
My Lord is mighty
His patience is long
I’ll trust in Him
Come darkness or light
Faith will carry us
Through every night
When fear overcomes
And faith seems still
I’ll stay with Jesus
His presence is real
He comforts my heart
And gives me peace
He calms the unknown
His love will not cease
He is with me today
His promise is true
Have faith in your heart
He will be with you too
Would you join our family in prayer for my dad, Clay Potter?
If you have a family member or friend with cancer, please share their name here on the blog or on my Facebook Page and let us join you in prayer too! Jesus hears our prayers!
Share this with someone you love and be encouraged!
Love & Blessings,
Micah
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Praying for your Dad and your family! It’s hit close to home for us as well. ?
Thanks so much, Trish! I know you understand. We will pray for your family too!
Oh, Micah. I can’t imagine how you must feel. I’m saying prayers of healing for him and peace for all of you! Much love!
Thank you so much, Kristin!
Almighty healer we come before you in praise and thanksgiving for the life of Clay. He is Yours Savior. Your Word tells us that “by your stripes we are healed,” and “it is finished.” We stand firmly on Your promises with Clay. We ask your abundance of strength and comfort. We know You are in charge of it all. Look down with favor and mercy and guide the hands of all who will be part of this healing for Clay. I send forth Your healing because I believe in the power of Your Name Jesus, Jehovah Raphah! Alleluia and Anmen! Adonai and Master of us all.
Amen! Oh Megan, how beautiful! I’m so thankful we serve a powerful God who is able to comfort and heal. Your prayer encouraged my heart so much.
I am praying for your dad and your family, sweet Micah. You are brave. Thank you for sharing your heart and words of encouragement for the Lord. <3
I truly appreciate your support and I pray many are encouraged who walk this same path. Hugs!
Thank you for sharing your heart. My mother in law was also recently diagnosed with cancer and will have to have stem cell transplants coming up so she will not be here during the holidays. I will be praying for you and your family.
Christina, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother in law. The holidays won’t be the same without her, but I pray the treatments are successful and the new year brings peace and precious time together. Keep praying and rest in the faithfulness of our mighty God. Hugs and prayers!
Micah, I am lifting up your you, your father and family in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your heart and sharing your Rock that holds you steady.
Thank you so much, Michele! Your words remind me of the verse, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that it higher than I.” He is faithful.
Micah, I’m so sorry your family is having to walk this hard road. You all are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably and pointing to the love of Christ that sustains you.
Liz, I truly appreciate your support and prayers. Jesus is our rock and deliverer. We will be still and know that He truly is carrying us every step of the way. Hugs!
Praying for you and your father, Micah. May you be strengthened and encouraged by His word, as you have been a light to others through the same.
God’s word is so powerful isn’t it! Trusting in His strength.
Oh, Micah, my heart is heavy for you as you ride through this storm. Trusting that the grace of God will carry you — and so thankful for your heartfelt expression in the form of a poem.
Thank you for your sincere concern and empathy. It means a lot to me.
I will be praying for your dad, Micah. Cancer is a very hard journey for all involved. My mom, at 79, was diagnosed with ovarian. She has come through surgery and chemo. One thing I can tell you for certain – Jesus was with us every step of the way. He gave strength and hope, supplying what we needed to get through one day at a time. We have such a faithful Savior! Blessings to you all!
Joanne, thank you for sharing about your mom. I keep thinking about that same exact thing – “One day at a time”. It’s so encouraging to hear from others who have walked the same path. I’m so thankful for Jesus who walks with us each step of the way!
Praying sweet Micah for Clay’s total healing and any adjustments post surgery he will face. I know it’s hard to watch your mom and dad go through this. Praying for continued strength for all of you as you trust in our Mighty God! Sometimes we have to just “rely on the love God has for us” – He loves you!!
Judy, that means so much to me. Thank you for being such a good example of walking through trials fully trusting in God’s amazing love. I love you!
Praying for your dad! My dad passed away earlier this year (after a several-month hospital stay, having his colon removed, and many other surgeries), so reading about someone else’s dad having cancer pulls at my heart. I know how hard it is to watch your daddy go through something like this. But God is able to heal!
Joy, I’m so very sorry to hear about your dad. I know you understand our hearts and feel our concern. I pray you will feel God’s full comfort and peace as I know you miss your dad so much.
I feel your pain, Micah. This is a scary and uncertain time, but remember God is good ALL the time. Keeping you and your family in prayer. I love your parents!
Christy, thank you so much for your encouragement!
I have been where you are. In your shoes, feeling your confusion, hurt, pain, and crying out because sometimes it’s just not fair. Prayers for you and your family.
Cancer is so hard isn’t it. I’m so sorry you know the same hurt. I deeply appreciate your prayers and concern!
Prayers for your dad, you and your family, sweet Micah. Such a lovely poem you wrote. *hugs*
Julie, thank you for taking the time to stop by and send your sweet encouragement! Hugs!
I’m so sorry, Micah. May our God of Comfort be very real to you during this time.
Thank you so much, Kristi!
Oh, Micah. I’m so sorry. I hope your dad’s surgery goes well. Praying for you and your family right now, that you will sense God’s presence, feel his comfort and be sustained by his peace in the days ahead. #RaRaLinkup
Lois, Thank you for stopping by from Kelly’s #RaRaLinkup. Your words encouraged my heart.
Yes, that word can change everything. Be on the lookout for strange blessing that arise along this difficult road, God is with you still. We’re on the other side of cancer with my Mom, for now, but I know the odds are we’ll likely face it again. Be blessed.
God has already been so faithful and provided in amazing ways both spiritually and physically. I’m so thankful to hear your mom is doing well. Keep trusting!
Micah, I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s diagnosis. You’re so right. Even though we hear about cancer all the time, it is still scary when it attacks someone we love. When my mom went through it, I was overwhelmed with the fear in the first days after her diagnosis. But, God . . .
These words: “We don’t walk through trials alone, God is with us. We don’t cry in solitude, Jesus feels our deepest heartache.” They spoke deeply to me.
Saying a prayer for your family today.
Jeanne, isn’t God amazing! It’s the only way to make it – walking with Him one day at a time. Thank you for your prayers.
Praying for you and your family, Micah! Cancer is indeed a heavy burden and a scary reality.
But God is faithful through it all!
While going thru cancer treatment, myself, earlier this year, I found tremendous strength and comfort in Christ and in God’s word. Psalm 23 has always been a favorite of mine…and became my daily prayer during cancer treatment.
Blessings to you, your Dad, and the rest of your family!
Psalm 23 is one of my favorites! I hope you are doing well now?
Yes, I’m doing very well, now. Thank you!
So good to hear!
I just lost my mother to cancer on September 1 and we buried her on September 12. She went home to glory without any suffering. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She is now present with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayers to you for your Dad. May God’s will be done and may he get all the Glory.
I’m so very sorry Yvonne. It’s a comfort to know your precious mother is with Jesus. I know your heart must hurt and miss her so very much. I will pray for God’s comfort to surround you and your family in the coming months. May God be glorified in each coming day. Love and hugs.
Praying for for healing for your dad and for peace for you and your family and that you know God with you on this difficult journey.
Thank you, Lesley. We have been overwhelmed by God’s power through prayer. We know many are praying and we can truly feel God’s presence. Thank you for your care and support!
Micah- I’m continuing to pray for you and your Dad!
Could you add a prayer for my hubby’s sister? She just got done with breast cancer treatments and now they found suspicious spots on her liver and kidneys during an MRI scan for an appendicitis.
Julie
Oh Julie. Definitely will pray for your husbands sister! Please let me know when you know more!
Micah, Your words so describe how I am feeling. My husband has been having his 2nd fight with cancer these last several months. He was first diagnosed 2 years ago & God gave healing and I pray He will continue to heal him. And last month our oldest daughter was diagnosed with breast cancee. She had surgery & now has started 33 radiation treatments. Her prognosis is good, praise God. In February, our 44 yr. Old son-in- law went to be with Jesus. He also battled cancer. Our youngest daughter & our precious grandson miss him so much. Oh, how I understand your journey with your Dad. I pray for healing for your Dad & comfort, strength, & His peace for all of your family.
Oh Cindy, my heart hurts reading of the struggles you are going through and have been through. Even through the deepest valley, I’m so thankful we have a faithful friend who never leaves and never forsakes us! I will pray for your husband and your precious daughters and families. We may never understand why things happen the way they do. Hugs and prayers!
Praying for you, your family and your Dad
Thank you so much!