InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package
TDGC shop the sale

4 Things I Learned From My Cancer Journey

4/20/2021

20 Comments

 
4 Things I Learned From My Cancer Journey
Our guest blogger, Debbie, has been missing in action around here for almost a year now. 

Like many of us in 2020, she's been on an unexpected journey. But Debbie's journey was different than the journey most of us have been on over the past several months. Her journey included not only all that COVID brought to our world, her journey also included that dreaded "C" word--cancer.

We all know someone who has been on the cancer journey. Maybe, you've even traveled that road yourself. The greatest thing to know is that as Christian women, as women of God, we know that we do not travel that road alone! Not only do we not travel the road alone, but God also gives us unique opportunities to share the road with those who come behind us. Today, Debbie shares that road with us in the third of a 3-part series--4 Things I Learned From My Cancer Journey.
TDGC logo banner
TDGC Faithful Bible study banner
This lovely Bible study, from The Daily Grace Co., traces the promises of God from Genesis to Revelation. It traces the story that God is writing through covenant promises to His children. This study walks through the story of Scripture through the lens of the covenants and reminds us that God has always been faithful and we can be confident that He will be faithful in our lives as well.
If you loved the Amen Bible study, this study is for you! It is the perfect study for digging even deeper into the story of redemption. This book is 8x10. It is 159 pages long.
GET YOUR FAITHFUL FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY BIBLE STUDY HERE

4 Things I Learned From My Cancer Journey

I have always wondered how a person’s life would change after going through a life and death experience. Recently after being healed of stage IV cancer, it was time for me to reevaluate my life for change. Probably the first thing I needed to evaluate was my priorities. While being so sick my world became exceedingly small. I realized many temporal things and daily thoughts are unnecessary. Ironically, the Lord had already given me Colossians 3:2 as my focus verse for 2020, 
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2
As my sickness and treatments dragged on, my thoughts turned to God and His promises. I communed with Him almost constantly. As life begins to get back to “normal” my relationship with God is stronger. My dedication to my family, church, and friends is still prominent in my life but now with heartfelt thankfulness. I have a great love to serve others, and God has given me the opportunity to do that a while longer.

My daily life today is not a lot different than what it was before my trial, but eternity is in my thoughts now more than ever before. There is also a daily dependence on God, which was not as intense. My desire to witness and share salvation, especially with my doctor, is greater. There is still daily work to be done—cleaning the house, laundry, preparing meals, grocery shopping, etc., but I believe God used this trial to help me now focus on people more than on routine. ​Spending time with my husband, hugging my grandchildren, talking to people face to face—these are the things I missed most during my illness and now treasure more than ever.
4 spiritual lessons God taught me (or maybe retaught me) during my cancer journey:
  • Everything is dependent on God is probably the main truth I learned. I know and have taught that God is sovereign and in control. But when I could not cure myself of cancer or make myself feel better during treatments, I realized it was totally up to God to decide how things would turn out.

  • God’s Word is my greatest source of comfort and hope. Several people gave me note cards with verses written on them. These became precious to me. I read them during infusions, before procedures when I could not sleep, and during prayer time. For special strength and encouragement, I spent most of my Bible reading time in the Psalms.

  • Prayer is powerful! I believe prayer and the grace of God got me through my cancer journey. Many people were praying for me and some I did not even know. There were people all around the world praying on my behalf. God answers the prayers of His people!
    ​
  • I must always give glory to God. He is gracious and kind in all things. God’s ways are not always our ways. I do not know why I had cancer. I do not know why He chooses to heal some believers and take others to Heaven. I do know that He has left me here to share Christ with others and praise Him for His goodness.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14.
Debbie
If you've had a cancer journey, share with us the spiritual lessons God taught you through it.
Read the first post in this mini-series The Unexpected Journey.
Read the second post in this mini-series Faith Over Fear.

You may also be interested in 12 Letters I Wrote to a Friend With Cancer.

IE Link-up logo
Thanks for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We would really appreciate it if you would grab this IE link-up button, place it on your blog, and link back to this post. Thanks! Have an awesome week! 

If you're new to link-ups, checkout our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation and a list of other link-ups to participate in.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Please Share
20 Comments
Barbara Harper link
4/20/2021 09:07:47 am

Thank you for sharing your story and what God taught you though it.

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/20/2021 09:38:16 am

Someone shared the little booklet, "Don't Waste Your Cancer" with me at the beginning of my journey. It helped me realize I needed to share God's grace with others whatever that would look like. I praise God for His goodness and healing!

Reply
Michele Morin link
4/20/2021 09:08:21 am

Cancer certainly distilled your life lessons down to 4 essential truths! Thank you for sharing them.

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/20/2021 09:38:40 am

Life can get complicated. Trials help us see things in light of eternity. I can still struggle with the busy of each day or the clash of personalities, but filtering them through the lens of eternity sure puts things in perspective!

Reply
Lisa notes link
4/20/2021 10:02:19 am

What a difficult journey you've been on! But such a treasure to have God with you every step of the way. He doesn't magically make things easy, but he does remain faithful and always gives us grace and hope. Thanks for sharing your insights with us.

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/20/2021 11:35:23 am

There's so much truth in your statements! God is good all the time, and sometimes He lets us stay here on earth awhile longer. "Every time our life is spared and given back to us after a trial, it is like a new beginning." May He be glorified!

Reply
Jerralea link
4/20/2021 10:21:52 am

Thanks for sharing the lessons you learned. I feel your second point, God's Word is our greatest source of comfort and hope, is so true no matter what our struggle may be. And yet so many never crack open their bibles! What a blessing to live in a time when we can easily read multiple translations of the Word!

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/20/2021 11:40:11 am

I agree, Jerralea! What a precious treasure we have! It truly was my comfort and hope in my cancer journey, but also sustains me daily now.

Reply
Debra Jean link
4/20/2021 12:22:09 pm

I learned that God is sovereign and He truly can use everything for good. Thanks for sharing your experience

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/20/2021 02:36:06 pm

Realizing God is truly sovereign is a life changer! If we believe this, we can trust Him with whatever He chooses for us. His plans are for our good and His glory!

Reply
Susan Shipe link
4/20/2021 03:13:13 pm

Debbie, what an encouraging testimony. Thank you for sharing.

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/21/2021 10:55:08 am

What a wonderful God we serve! Thank you, Susan, for taking time to read my testimony of God's grace and healing.

Reply
Debbie Wilson link
4/20/2021 09:39:00 pm

Debbie, how we all need to set our affection on things above. Thank you for sharing your journey and lessons with us.

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/21/2021 10:55:41 am

I am grateful to be able to share my journey as determined by God. "The source of learning to help others must be the experience of victorious suffering." One of my favorite songs is "Victory in Jesus," and victory can be given even in suffering.

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/21/2021 11:00:21 am

"Every difficulty and every temptation that comes our way, if we receive it correctly, is God's opportunity." I am thankful I was given the opportunity to share God's love and power through my journey.

Reply
Paula Short link
4/21/2021 05:47:21 am

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I love the things God has put on your heart to use during your trial. It seems like you drew nearer to God, and he to you. Thank you for this blessed post. To God be the glory. Blessings.

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/21/2021 10:55:52 am

Oh, yes, when God strips away unnecessary things in your life and your daily existence is dependent on Him, you get very close to Him. I think that is what He wants of us even when we are healthy, but we get so distracted with life. I can actually now say, "Thank you Lord for my cancer experience."

Reply
Lauren Renee Sparks link
4/21/2021 01:36:13 pm

Amen to your 4 things!

Reply
Debbie Miller
4/22/2021 09:25:41 am

Foundational truths that mean so much more than just a list of facts! Trials can help one understand that better. "Trials are the food of faith."

Reply
Yessy Kurniawati link
7/3/2022 08:54:41 am

good

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, and more? You’re going to love this library, which has all kinds of exclusive content just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! —Patsy

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required
    Come & Dwell
    16 Names of God
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Heart That Heals cover

    Top Posts

    8 Ways God Spoke to People in the Past and How He Speaks to Us Today
    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat
    16 Names of God:
    ​El Shaddai
    David's Second Goliath
    3 Practical Points
    ​About Prayer
    5 Characteristics
    ​of God's Love
    12 Favorite
    ​Bible Study Tools
    Honoring God by Maintaining Our
    ​Physical Health
    Artza blog banner

    Featured

    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    WORTHY Bible Studies
    Money Wise Steward
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    16 Names Of God
    7 Biblical Feasts
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Evidences Of Faith
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Link-ups
    Our Words Matter
    Prayer
    Printables
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a
​means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Not Consumed, and Artza.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2025|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package