Rainbows, kingfishers and cancer

I began this devotion a few weeks ago when I was recalled after a mammogram, joining the ranks of many who wait on tenterhooks to see if they have cancer.

As I was thinking about what it means to trust the Lord with our lives. I looked out of the window and saw this rainbow. God knows what rainbows mean to me, so this was a kind reminder to look to his promises.

The promise that came to me was from John 10 when the Good Shepherd speaks over his sheep, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand”. 

It is a promise that comforted me when Trevor died. As I have written before, I don’t believe that God intended cancer cells or heart attacks, they fell out of the cracks of a broken world, askew from its maker. Nonetheless, we can trust that nothing can snatch us from God’s hands.

I had a major wobble moment after the biopsy along the lines of “Really? Enough already!” but mostly felt surprisingly peaceful as I awaited the result, no doubt because people have prayed. While I walked along the river, a kingfisher settled on a post by the sparkling water, then flew past, flashing iridescent sapphire wings, another sign that always speaks to me of the King.

There was so much reassurance from the Lord that I had a feeling that maybe it was because I would need it and indeed the news when it came was not great and I have surgery on April 1. Thankfully, it currently looks treatable. I have of course had some more wobbly moments and am still getting my head around it all and would much prefer not to be doing this – I had other plans for my spring! But I am hugely grateful for the care I am receiving and above all that -

Nothing can snatch us from God’s hands.

With my love and thankfulness for your love and prayers,

Kate

PS Some people have recently asked me about the Facing Cancer with God today - you can watch it here .