Dear God, Thank You for the cancer

Today in my prayer time, I found myself saying, “Dear God, thank you for my cancer.” I know that sounds strange, but that is how I feel today. Cancer has helped me focus on my purpose. Cancer has helped me remember what is essential. Cancer has reminded me that this world is not my goal and heaven is real. Before cancer, I was content to stay in my weekly rut. Now I know time is too precious and the mission is too critical. I needed the pain to take me to the doctor. I needed the diagnosis to bring me to my knees. I needed to be still and quit being busy to learn some lessons that God had prepared to teach me. On February first, things took a turn for the better. There was a noticeable reduction in back pain. A few new side effects have shown up, like nausea and an enjoyable rash from time to time with lightheadedness, but I will take those any day over the debilitating back pain. There is still a long way to go, and I have some procedures coming up in March after my third round of Chemo, but I am at peace, and for the moment, I am not in an unbearable amount of pain every time I stand up and walk, and I can live with that. Did you hear what I said? I am at peace. I am at peace because I know God is in control, making the path, doing what is best, for the most, for His glory, and my good. I trust God. James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” That passage has a new meaning to me today. I am not being punished; I am being trained for the glory of God. So, I have chosen to respond to God, “Thank you for cancer.” In Him J. Tom Washburn