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At first, I didn’t think much about the disease, because I didn’t realize it was cancer and that there was no cure, or that the medical treatment would come with frightening, potentially unbearable side effects. As the reality of the situation sunk in, emotional devastation quickly followed. I thought to myself, “I can’t do this.”

A close friend at work said he would pray that God’s peace would be evident in my life. He mentioned a Bible verse (Philippians 4:7). I studied the verse and meditated upon it. But it didn’t help. All I got was more anxiety. I began to seriously doubt that I would ever have peace again.

My Pastor explained that what I was really experiencing was heaviness, that sinking feeling when there is bad news about health. It is the opposite of rejoicing. It’s terrifying, gripping fear. It involves temptation to not trust God through the trial (1 Peter 1:6-8).

The Bible says that Jesus Christ wanted to give me victory over this trial (John 16:33). Such trials are temporary (2 Corinthians 4:17;
1 Peter 1:6; 5:10). They have purposes. They are necessary (1 Peter 1:6). In spite of what I thought at first, my trial would be bearable (1 Corinthians 10:13). It would prepare me for the future (2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:4,7). It would prove that God’s grace was all I needed (2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9). God intended this trial for my good (Romans 8:28). He would use it to prove that my faith was genuine (1 Peter 1:7). He would use it to strengthen my faith, to perfect my faith (James 1:2-4). He would use it to prepare me to help others (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

He would use it to humble me (Deuteronomy 8:2-3,16; 2 Corinthians 12:7). He would demonstrate His wonderful, amazing work (John 9:1-3). Most exciting of all, He would use it to glorify Himself! Imagine that—being used to glorify God (John 11:40)! The Bible says trials come in all shapes and sizes (1 Peter 1:6), some severe. Like the fire that refines and reshapes gold, the trial was given to make a difference in my life, to change my character into something more precious, worth more. God wanted me to become more valuable to Him.

He would go through the trial with me
(1 Peter 1:7). Just like in Paul’s ministry, the trial would have a good outcome (Acts 9:15-16). The secret of victory was in all these truths in the Bible. It was my body, not my “self” that was falling apart (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). The Lord personally gave me that peace my co-worker had prayed for (Philippians 4:7). I was, and still am more grateful than my words can express to know that the Lord has a purpose; that this suffering is temporary; that it will work to the perfecting of my faith; that He will use it to bring glory to Himself.

What about you? Are you experiencing this victory in your life? If not, maybe you just need the Lord’s help. Only in Him is there real hope (Jude 7; Revelation 20:15).

Here are six “basic” things God wants you to know. It’s an excellent place to start!

1. You Need To Be Saved. “There is none righteous” (Romans 3:10). “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23). “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

2. You Cannot Save Yourself. “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. God Wants To Save You. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

4. God Is Willing To Save You. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

5. God Is Able To Save You. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).

6. God Will Save You If You Ask Him To. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Will You Ask God To Save You? “The publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

If you placed your trust in Jesus Christ as a result of reading this tract, or have questions about salvation, growing in Christ, or dealing with difficult trials such as cancer, please contact us.

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