Just yesterday I had a dear friend tell me that the doctor says his mother only has about 6 months to live. She had been battling cancer and the most recent check up was not good. We all probably have someone close or a friends friend or family member that is battling cancer or a life threatening illness. Or maybe you’re the one reading this that has cancer.
What do we say? What are we to say? Don’t give up?
It hit home hard for me as I read those words from him and reminded me back to a time when my own sister was battling cancer. As many of you know, She is the inspiration of this ministry. My sister Teresa was 28 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer a high stage (I can’t remember) and had 50% chance of survival. She lived 9 more years thereafter. Even through she passed away at 37, she did not give up.
But what do those words mean? Do not give up. Give up what? In order to explain further let’s look at to give up. The definition is to admit defeat, to abandon, to surrender, quit, relinquish, stop, to declare incurable or insoluble, to submit. Ok so, do not give up. Do not surrender what? For my sister, she did not surrender life and her walk with Christ. Her physical cancer in her physical body she was given on earth was incurable; however, in her soul she pursued life to the fullest in Every. Single. Day. She was given. She exuded endless love to her children her family and to strangers daily. She fed her body the most healthy of foods and water daily. She did not surrender. And above all she pursued with a vengeance the proclamation that Jesus is the Savior of each and everyone of us. Her ministry was children at her local church and she was teaching Awanas (the children’s ministry back then) the very Wednesday before her Passing on Monday! She had a drive like no other—a JOY in her heart. THAT is what it means Do not give up. In the midst of darkness, do not give up. In the dead of night, do not give up. In our sickest hour, Do not give up. Do not give up love. Do not give up hope. Do not give up the newness of every day we are daily given. Do not give up on the pursuit of happiness, joy and peace. And do not give up sharing the unfailing love of Jesus Christ our Savior because even in our darkest hour on earth we can rejoice that our life is eternal! Do. not. give. up.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I Peter 5:7
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Hebrews 12:2
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.
John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.