Read Luke 8: 43-48
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
On a pretty September afternoon, my wife and I attended the funeral for a neighbor. The sanctuary was at capacity. This celebration of her precious life was perfect. There was only one problem—I don’t think this daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and nurse should have died.
Our neighbor beat cancer once. I’m sorry God, but I think if a person beats cancer once, this person should have immunity from a second battle with this disrespectful disease. We need a new commandment: Thou shalt not have cancer a second time.
From Luke 8, I struggle with the instant healing of the woman who barely touched Jesus’ clothing. God, don’t you think a person battling cancer for the second time should have such a redemption? Surely, our neighbor believed just like the woman in Luke believed.
I always found comfort in Jeremiah 29:11. Yet, in real life moments like the passing of our neighbor, it is difficult to find that reassurance. She needed those hopeful plans for good welfare and no harm.
I apologize for whining God. However, I don’t think I’m a solo whiner when it comes to a recurrence of cancer. Despite my imperfections, I know you love me, but we need that new commandment.
Prayer: Father of us all give us the strength to endure when cancer pushes against us. Amen
Prayer Focus: Anyone battling cancer.
Thought For The Day: Bless those who are working to defeat cancer.
Note from author: On October 7, 2025 this devotional was submitted to the Upper Room for publication consideration. December 4, 2025, the standard email of rejection arrived. While disappointed, I understand, and I attempt to learn from every rejection. Be safe, Bill Pike
might be baloney 
Bill, thanks for sharing!
I like your verse from Jeremiah. It’s quoted often. And, in my opinion, it’s taken out of context more than not. Our God does have plans for us and intends good things for us. But I caveat that with some verses from the “love” chapter in 1 Corinthians.
Chapter 13, verses 9-10, and 12. 9 For now we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
What I believe this to mean is that we, as humans, are limited in our understanding of God’s true love and His capacity. Only when we are in Heaven with our Lord will we be complete, in all ways. Until then, we may grieve things as they are in the human condition, but we also must fully trust our omnipotent God. Someday we will know fully, and realize that it was beyond our wildest imagination. Truly, the best is yet to come.
Merry Christmas!
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Chris, good to hear from you. I’m a whiner, you are a theologian. Good points. Hope you have a Merry Christmas. Be safe, Bill
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