Life can feel crushing. I presume everyone has an experience in which they can relate to the feeling of being crushed by circumstances. Scriptures contain numerous stories of faithful individuals enduring hardships. During hard times, those testimonies of victory, endurance, and hope; fortify our faith.
Recently, I’ve gained strength and comfort from the Scriptures. I’ve been supporting my father through medical procedures for a heart in A-fib, surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and yet-to-be-determined treatments, and I received word of a cousin’s sudden death by a ruptured aneurysm.
As I pondered the Scriptures and the report of Dad’s tumor, I thought of the many others who will hear a similar prognosis someday. I ache for those who do not have a solid foundation of faith in Almighty God. While processing my thoughts and emotions, I wrote the following poem and share it, trusting the Lord may use it in another’s life.
The “C” Word
A word that halts the breath
when heard as a diagnostic condition.
The word that can stir fear in the brave.
Cancer—dreaded “C” word.
Death sentence or
gift-wrapped challenge?
Run with endurance and
commit to Thy will be done.
New clarity—laser-focused life.
What matters most?
God, You are good
regardless of test, trial, or tribulation,
You champion life.
Facing mortality—planetary time is short.
We can’t buy it, build it, or save it.
Each moment of current time is a gift
maxing what we can spend or invest.
Use it wisely, count your days.
Change calamity into courage by clinging to the King.
Christ offers the ultimate “C” word,
cleansing—forgiveness of all sin!
© Manette Kay
Scripture References:
Gift-wrapped challenge: Job1:8 and Job 1:20-22
Running with endurance: Hebrews 12:1-3
Thy will be done: Matthew 6:9-13
God is good: Mark 10:18 and Exodus 34:6
Champion of life: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Facing mortality: Psalm 39:4 and Psalm 102:11
Wisely counting our days: Psalm 90:12
Courage: Psalm 27:14 and Psalm 31:23-24
Cleansing: Psalm 51:6-8
Prayer:
Gracious Father God, thank You for the offered gift of eternal life. Thank You for strength and comfort through the work of Jesus Christ. LORD, I pray You will meet the needs of people who today, learn of an unexpected diagnosis or other life tragedy. Give them strength and hope to trust in Your goodness and mercy. Amen.
Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.
Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.
Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.
Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.
Sunrise image by Heidi B from Pixabay.
Text added by Manette Kay.
musingsofmanettekay.com 
Very wise words Manette, thank you. As I was reading this I realised that in our home we never said the “C” word, but we used the “T” word for tumour often. I have looked at my tumour over the years as a challenge and an opportunity for the Kingdom. If my tumour had been a virulent and more aggressive type I would hope I would approach it the same way, but it is hard to say for certain.
God bless you and your family during these difficult days sister. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, for sharing your story the testimony of Christ’s work in and through you, Alan. Let the name of the Almighty be glorified! Yehovah bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a powerful poem Manette! Thank you for sharing and for modeling the process of seeing crushing circumstances through glory filled eyes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Beth, for the encouraging words. Yehovah bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was just telling a friend today that I wonder how people face the challenges of life if they don’t know the Lord. You have expressed it beautifully, Manette. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Patty. Yehovah bless you and make his face shine upon you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerful poem! God be with you through all this and may he turn everything around for good and for his glory! God bless
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Deano, the sovereign Almighty God will be glorified. We know the end of the story every knee will bow, every tongue confess, and every living thing will say, “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!! Yes the final chapter of Gods plan is beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May the Lord be with you during this time Manette. Powerful words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Manu. He is and will be with me everywhere. (Psalm 139:8)
Yehovah bless you today and always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve included so many powerful lines of truth into one poem, Manette! For example: 1) “God, You are good regardless of test, trial, or tribulation, You champion life.” He IS our victorious champion, no matter our circumstances. And the battle has already been won–Hallelujah! 2) “Facing mortality—planetary time is short. We can’t buy it, build it, or save it.” Sobering truth yet encouraging because this broken planet is not all there is! We are headed to a MUCH better place. 3) “Change calamity into courage by clinging to the King.” Such wonderful alliteration to enjoy in this line, and such wonderful possibilities to embrace as we cling to our King. Thank you, Manette!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy, thank you for sharing your detailed commentary. The truths you mention are all timeless extractions from Scripture. The format presented was the Holy Spirit helping me process my emotions and thoughts to align my heart with truth I know in my head. Yehovah bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise, calming, beautiful words, Manette.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awe, thank you, Mitch. Yehovah bless you.
LikeLike
“Change calamity into courage by clinging to the King.” A wonderful line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anna, it’s a truth I need to regularly remind myself. Yehovah bless you.
LikeLike
Manette, I appreciate what you wrote here, especially the second part: “I thought of the many others who will hear a similar prognosis someday. I ache for those who do not have a solid foundation of faith in Almighty God.” For those who are unbelievers, it must be devastating; for believers, while no one wants cancer, the Lord can provide peace. From the time my mentally handicapped sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer until her death was a matter of weeks. Because of her trust in our Lord, she is now freed from both the cancer and her mental handicap! I look forward to rejoining her one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keith, thank you for sharing your personal story. I’m grateful that you have the reunion to look forward to with your sister. Yehovah bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good words, Manette. It is truly all about what is lasting, what matters while still in this faulty earth suit. God’s grip – Alan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Alan. Yehovah bless you.
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear of your hardships. I prayed for you after reading this blog post. Thank you for the wonderful Scripture references. Those are some that I need to hold onto.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terri, thank you for the prayer! I know He sustains through the power of the Holy Spirit and we are blessed by the prayers of God’s people.
Yehovah bless you and engulf you with His presence today.
LikeLike