From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I’ve been diagnosed with cancer and it’s scary. Many friends have gone through this and I’ve been a cheerleader for them and tried to get them to see that God may be doing a special work in their lives. Now that I am facing it, my own advice doesn’t seem to have much power. It makes me feel like a hypocrite! – S.F.

 

Dear S.F.: One of the many lessons learned through health crises is how better to help others going through similar valleys of despair. That is why it is always wise to be a good listener when others are suffering. There isn’t much that can be said to those who are hurting and we should ask God for wisdom – when to be silent and when to speak. Often it is not the words we say as much as encouraging others with our presence.

The Bible reminds us that there is a time for everything – a time to be born and a time to die (see Ecclesiastes 3). So many testimonials speak of how God spoke to them in sickness and their personal faith in Him grew stronger. Someone recently said, “I could have never said this before cancer, but now that I have completed my treatment and am on the road to recovery, I praise the Lord that He used it to open the door to tell others why I hope in the Lord!” Our own inadequacy should drive us to the Lord.

No one knows what a day may bring but Christians can point to the One who sees us through trials. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)