It's been nearly a year since I've been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Since then I've had surgery, then radiation treatment, and now am on a regimen of drugs. I've undergone these successive treatments because none have been completely effective. To put it another way, my hope in the medical treatment is partial at best. From a worldly point of view this should lead me to despair. But that has not been the case. In fact I've had several instances of rejoicing in it.
I've been amazed how many men in our church have confided in me since my diagnosis. Guys have come out of the woodwork sharing their own prostate related issues or asking me advice about symptoms they're having or what to expect from exams or biopsies. Many of these have been an encouragement to me and others I have been able to help. Apart from the ailment itself it has greatly expanded my pastoral reach in the church. It's like I'm not just that "kid pastor" any more - I'm one of the guys.
A couple months ago a young man on our church board, who had gone through treatment for cancer a year or so ago and received a clean bill of health, was found to have a tumor in his abdomen. As he shared his apprehensions during our board's prayer time I found I could listen with complete empathy. During a break in our meeting I came up to him to encourage him and we had instantaneous rapport. To the extent that I was able to offer him empathetic encouragement in his time of need I praise God for my cancer.
Just recently a good friend called me in the middle of the day and wondered if he could stop by my office to talk. It turns our he had just been laid off from his job. Having had no inkling that this was in the works he was in complete shock. In the half hour or so he was there he shared his fears of the unknown (being in his 50s he doubts how hirable he is); his frustrations that his fears revealed a lack of faith; and his regrets about what he might have done better to avoid the lay off.
When I said something to the effect, "Yeah, I know how you feel..." there was a sudden questioning look of how? But I immediately continued with "When I was diagnosed with cancer I felt many of the same things." His incredulous look turned to agreement as he realized the many parallels. But I was able not only to empathize but speak with authority about trust in God and the victory of our faith. Apart from my cancer I would only have been able to speak hypothetically and with much less effect.
I feel I have entered into the reality of what Paul expressed to the Corinthians when he exclaimed, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God," 2Cor.1:3-4.
