I Have Cancer, Now What?, part 2

Introduction & Recap

Thank you for coming this morning. We’re going to begin part two of the message I started last week, entitled I Have Cancer, Now What? This series is designed specifically for those struggling with the overwhelming realization of a new cancer diagnosis. It’s interesting that God ordained it so that, this week alone, I spoke with three different individuals facing brand-new cancer diagnoses. I know there are others in the body facing probable diagnoses as well. As I shared last week, I’m facing my own new diagnosis—thankfully less aggressive than the cancer I faced years ago.

The purpose is to help you not be overwhelmed by news of having cancer. But these points and encouragements don’t just apply to cancer. A significant percentage of you will die from cancer, or at least get it, applying these truths to your own heart. Yet all of us will face trials ordained by God for our good and His glory. I pray these truths will sustain you through any number of trials.

Last week, I went through the first three points:

1. Cancer is not your biggest problem; sin is. Before any of this applies, you must apply the gospel to your life, because our sin separates us from God. Our biggest problem is not cancer, which can only kill our body, but sin that would rightly bring eternal judgment apart from God’s grace.
2. Trust God. After being reconciled to God in Christ—where all His wrath against your sin was extinguished on the cross—you can know that cancer can’t separate you from God. He has fatherly purposes in it.
3. Embrace the testing of your faith with joy. Knowing God is sovereign and He has gracious purposes for His children. We can have joy through tears and pain, in trials. This isn’t easy, but it’s the essence of faith—a faith God will sustain. It’s designed to bring you to the end of yourself, so you cling to Him.

Reviewing Faith & Clinging to God

We ended last time with an extended meditation on rejoicing in trials, understanding that God has a fatherly love for us and orchestrates every moment of our suffering. Because of that, we can cling to Him and say, “God, I trust You.” This is not easy; it’s the essence of faith—faith that isn’t self-generated but is given by God. When you’re brought to your own weakness, you discover the power of God in you. That’s what Paul meant when, in response to Jesus’ words, “My grace is sufficient for you,” he said, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

Spurgeon wrote that our life is found in looking to Jesus, not in looking at our own faith. Grace is the “locomotive,” and faith is the “chain.” The power is in God, not in our ability. Often in trials, especially those that ravage our bodies like cancer, we feel we lack the strength to continue. But if all we can do is say, “God, I trust You,” we are clinging to Him—and that is precisely the heart of faith.

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:8–10, spoke of being so utterly burdened beyond his strength that he despaired of life. He recognized God’s purpose: to make him rely not on himself but on God who raises the dead. In trials, our brains can’t wrap around the “why,” but we can still cling. We may not fully reconcile how a good God allows suffering, yet we can trust Him even while our mind catches up.

Leaving Tomorrow’s Anxiety for Tomorrow

Next point: Leave tomorrow’s anxieties for tomorrow. Turn to Matthew 6:34. Jesus says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” The world might say, “Take things one day at a time,” but as Christians, we mean something deeper. God only promises the strength to face the trial you have today. Anxiety arises when we imagine what might happen tomorrow. But most of what we fear never materializes; or sometimes it turns out differently than we expect. We must trust that God will provide what we need for tomorrow when tomorrow arrives. Meanwhile, He calls us to trust Him today.

Philippians 4:5–7 says the Lord is at hand—so do not be anxious about anything. Instead, bring everything to Him by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, and the peace of God will guard your heart. We don’t beat anxiety by sheer willpower; it’s God’s peace that guards us. Focus on prayer and thanksgiving. It’s very hard to remain anxious when you’re actively thankful for what God has provided and Who God is. Thank Him for today—for what He has already done—and trust Him with tomorrow.

Don’t Grow Weary (Hebrews 12)

Another point: Don’t grow weary. In Hebrews 12:1–4, the author warns us not to become weary in the race of faith. The solution is to consider Him—to look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. We will grow weary if we fixate on our trials instead of on the One who endured immeasurably more, the One who gave us our faith and perfects it. There is a real risk of weariness and “giving up,” especially when our bodies fail us. Don’t stop fighting.

Hebrews 12 then discusses discipline. It’s not punishment but training. God is our loving Father who trains us for our good so that we may share in His holiness. Though the suffering is painful now, later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Thus, “lift your drooping hands, strengthen your weak knees” (v.12). We do so by looking to Jesus and laying aside sin, so that we may run with endurance.

Embrace Help (James 5)

If you do grow weary to the point of feeling unable to pray, embrace help. James 5:13–16 says if anyone is suffering, let him pray. If anyone is cheerful, let him sing praise. If anyone is weak (a better translation than just “sick”), call the elders of the church to pray over you. That “weakness” can be physical or spiritual weariness—when you feel you can’t go on. This passage stresses praying for one another, confessing sin to one another. The “prayer of faith” will save the weary one. It’s not necessarily about physical healing from cancer, but about your soul’s perseverance in faith. If you find yourself not wanting to endure, not wanting to keep going spiritually, call the elders, call the church—ask for help.

Prioritize the Church

Also, prioritize the church. You’re never meant to face cancer alone. Even if you can’t function physically in the church the same way you used to, 1 Corinthians 12:21–26 reminds us that every part of the body is indispensable. Don’t let cancer isolate you. You can pray, encourage, send messages to others, be a testimony of God’s grace—even if you’re limited by treatment. On the other side, the rest of the body must not forget those who can’t gather in person.

Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us to consider how to stir each other up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together. Your cancer may pose unique challenges to gathering, but do what you can to stay connected. God uses your suffering not only for your sanctification but also to bless and serve the church body as a whole.

Think of Others Selflessly

Next, think of others selflessly. Even if you’re deeply suffering, this trial can deepen your relationships “with manifest affection,” as John Piper phrases it. Don’t let embarrassment, side effects, or pain drive you into seclusion. Let others see your faith in the middle of weakness. That will both encourage believers and testify to the world. A person facing a grave trial, visibly clinging to Jesus, is one of the most powerful witnesses to Christ’s worth.

Look Through Cancer to Christ

Look through cancer to Christ. Our highest hope isn’t a cure; God didn’t promise we’ll live trial-free. But our sufferings are ordained by God to point us to Him. 1 Peter 4:12 tells us not to be surprised at the fiery trial. Earlier, 1 Peter 1:6–8 says these trials prove the genuineness of our faith and fix our hope on eternity, stirring love for Christ in our hearts. As John Piper notes, “Cancer doesn’t win if we die. It only wins if we fail to cherish Christ. God’s design is to wean us from the breast of the world and feast us on the sufficiency of Christ.” Even if we die, to die is gain, for we go to be with Jesus.

In your trial, talk to yourself instead of listening to yourself. Lamentations 3:21–24 is a prime example: the author sees destruction all around yet calls to mind God’s steadfast love and chooses to hope in Him. Remind yourself of the truths you know from Scripture: God is faithful, His mercies never end, and He loves you enough to give His Son for you. If He gave His Son, won’t He give you everything else you truly need?

Anchor Your Perspective in Eternity

Finally, anchor your perspective in eternity. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Cancer reminds us of how short life is relative to eternity, but that’s true for everyone, whether they have cancer or not. Second Corinthians 5 describes our bodies as “tents” that will be destroyed—but if that happens, we have a building from God, eternal in the heavens. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 4:14 says that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us into His presence.

We are citizens of heaven. Philippians 3:20–21 reminds us that from heaven we await our Savior, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body. Cancer, then, cannot truly “win.” It might be the means by which God separates you from your mortal body, but for a Christian, that transition is swallowed up by life. In the light of eternity, we cling to Jesus and trust Him fully.

Conclusion & Prayer

Let’s pray. God, thank You that cancer cannot win and that sin does not win—You win. You reign, and we trust You. No matter what happens, Your purpose is good. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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