As my husband and I sat in the doctor’s office, we held hands and prayed. Soon the oncologist entered and greeted us. He seemed like a kind man, but his words sounded harsh: “You have incurable cancer.”
“Will I be dead in six months?” I asked.
“I don’t think so,” he replied. “But I don’t know if you’ll get hit by a car.”
“Good,” I replied. “We’re expecting another grandchild in six months, and I want to be here for my grandkids.”
Soon after my diagnosis, a friend told me, “You can either think of yourself as dying of cancer or as living with cancer.” For the past years, I have been living with cancer. And the grandchild we expected then will soon be twelve. I’m thankful for each day of life.
Recently, when I reconnected with a childhood friend who also has cancer, she said, “Now I have a friend who understands the anxiety of the unknown.” Yes, I understand. But, actually, all of us have an unknown future on earth. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Yet if we believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and accept Him as our Savior, our eternal destination is known and secure. So although our future is unknown to us, our destination is known. And we can be certain the best is yet to come!
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2–3 NKJV).
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You’re preparing a place for me to spend eternity with You. I look forward to seeing You face to face and worshiping You. But while I remain on earth, help me live one day at a time and glorify You. Thank You for Your promise of an eternal home and hope for all who believe in Jesus. In Your name. Amen.
We are partnering with Danielle at Providential Living for a free online Bible study. Sign up today and let your friends know too!
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
