In Difficult Times
Bible Reading: Psalm 43:3-5
Author: Deborah Pow (Alberta, Canada)
Author: Deborah Pow (Alberta, Canada)
Thursday 23 July 2026 © The Upper Room.
I received a phone call that turned my world upside down.
The fear of cancer encompassed my daily life. Through doctor’s appointments, tests and awaited results, I seemed to be living in a dark tunnel.
I could not see, could not plan and could not focus on simple daily tasks. As darkness threatened to pull me under, I found that I was completely dependent on God.
The more I leaned on God, the more peace I felt. He was my light in the darkness. I realised that the question I should ask was not ‘Why me?’, but ‘Why not me?’ Can’t God use every circumstance in our lives for a greater purpose?
My prayers were transformed. I no longer asked God to take the cancer from me. I asked him to use my cancer diagnosis for his greater good.
God answered my prayer, giving me peace as well as the desire and ability to walk with others through their experiences with cancer. He gave me gifts of encouragement, compassion, love and care so that I could reach out with understanding and support for others.
Prayer: Thank you, dear God, for guiding us in our daily lives and for carrying us through difficult times. Amen
