When you’re fighting cancer, advice abounds. Everywhere you turn, someone is telling you about a treatment or supplement that cured someone, or the perfect book that will get you through the experience. This is not a bad thing, as the Lord often uses advice to steer us. But with so many voices, and the stakes so high, how do we know which voice to follow? And how do we handle the spiritual/emotional side of keeping a restful spirit when we are confused?
In God’s birth announcement of His Son in Isaiah 9:6, He refers to Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor.” Now that is a meaningful Gift, with lasting benefits for all who follow Him. Jesus is The Gift Who Keeps On Giving. Could you use some divine counseling to navigate your decisions?
God often shared His wisdom with those in crisis in both the Old and New Testament. His promise to supply specific guidance is still good today. He will lead us through anything we face (James 1:2-8), from treatment options, to how to cope with the spiritual and emotional upheaval of our fight with cancer. So how does He guide us today? Don’t expect an audible voice, but do expect that when you ask, one way or another, He will provide all the wisdom you need. He promises. He can “speak” through a Bible verse which “jumps off the page.” He speaks through wise, godly people. He can speak through doctors, nurses and fellow warriors, and even through strangers who are angels in disguise. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” He never leads us contrary to His objective Word, the Bible, so it is important to grow in understanding it. Then, I believe, He confirms His voice to us through gentle impressions in our spirits.
Speaking of voices, some readers are hearing loud voices of doubt at this point in this letter. “I tried all of this once before and nothing happened.” “God doesn’t speak like that today.” “This guy is promising something that God may not deliver.” But James 1:5-8 tells us to ask in faith, believing that He not only can lead us, but that He will lead us. The Bible describes a close personal relationship of dependence on a living God. We will grow in learning how to “hear” Him as we habitually tune in every day. He will either change our circumstances, or provide us with a path to peacefully manage those circumstances. Either way, He is on our side, and He delights to lead us. So listen UP! Do you hear what I hear?
