The Bible verse that resonated with me the most during cancer treatment was Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread … because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.”
God allowed me to be strong and courageous, and my friends and family helped nourish that. Every day, silent or visible, friends gave me the boosts I needed. It takes great courage to face a life-changing medical diagnosis. It takes every ounce of strength to return to cancer treatment centers and find your space among those professionals who are finding the strength to be there for you. I learned to respect their compassion in performing their calling. When I loosened up, relaxed, and gave myself to God—that was the turning point.
The Lord our God goes with us. Lean on those comforting words in Deuteronomy. God might not take away the pain, but God will not fail or forsake us.
This message is excerpted from “Be strong and bold” by Syd Brinkman from the August 22, 2015, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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