2021 Daily Devotion - Day 436

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The year of the pandemic has been hard for a lot of people. It has been especially hard for our family. The day before the lockdown in March of 2020, my doctor found a mass in my abdomen. Because hospitals had closed to all but essential services, further testing for me was postponed until mid-May. By then, the tumor was described as “basketball-sized”, and I was referred to an oncologist. In June I had major surgery and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 3. 

Following was five months of chemotherapy with its accompanying side effects…all this along with the isolation of the pandemic. We were unable to see our children and grandchildren. No close friends were allowed to gather and church was on a TV screen once a week. Our loneliness was real and palpable.

However, cards and notes began to come: words of scripture, whispers of prayer, and messages of love. Phone calls bringing offers of help and encouragement became a part of our day. God was ministering to us through all of these expressions of comfort. We could feel His presence in every contact. I hung on tightly to each scripture verse that spoke to me, and I cherished every hymn that touched my soul. In place of the loneliness came an inner peace I had not expected. The thought of a cancer diagnosis was something I’d hoped I would never have to face. I panicked at the thought of it. And yet, here I was, at peace.

My prognosis is unknown. However, I remember the words to a song I used to sing: “I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” I do not need to rely on having people around me to ease my loneliness; my connection to my Heavenly Father satisfies every longing of my soul.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Pray with me:
Dear God, thank You for Your peace which passes all understanding. Comfort us as only You can. Only You can satisfy our deepest need. Thank You for Your overwhelming love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Nancy Reynen
Mount of Olives Church Small Group Leader
Mount of Olives Church
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