Experience has a remarkable way of imparting life’s most profound lessons. Pain and heartache often punctuate these lessons with unmistakable emphasis. Looking back, 2018 was a significant year in my life. I’m reminded of both the highs and lows that marked the year—a mix of triumphs and trials that shaped my journey and deepened my understanding of God’s faithfulness. It was also a year of powerful lessons God taught me after a cancer diagnosis—truths I may not have learned any other way.
On the highlight reel, I had the privilege of touring with Redemption Press at Women of Joy conferences, signing a new book contract, writing a book, and receiving the Christian Literary Reader’s Choice Award for The Hope Prevails Bible Study.
Yet, those bright moments were accompanied by significant challenges—my son’s boating accident and subsequent surgery, a career transition, and, most notably, receiving a cancer diagnosis.
In honor of National Cancer Survivor’s Day on June 1st, I thought I’d share some hard-fought lessons learned during that time. Here are ten key takeaways from my journey through that season.
Lesson 1: God’s plans are always good
As I completed my manuscript that fall, I wondered, “What project should I start next?” But I felt a clear prompting from the Lord to embrace a season of rest. Though it puzzled me at the time, within a month, I was diagnosed with cancer—and the need for rest became undeniable. This experience reinforced the truth of Jeremiah 29:11: God’s plans for us are always good, even when they’re not immediately clear.
Lesson 2: A Shift in Perspective Brings Freedom
Life often presents challenges that feel insurmountable. In the face of my diagnosis, I realized the value of trading the thought, “I don’t know how I’ll do this,” for “Lord, I can’t wait to see how You’ll handle this.” Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us to learn the unforced rhythms of grace from Jesus, trusting Him to lighten our burdens.
Lesson 3: God Comforts Us So We Can Comfort Others
Not long after my diagnosis, a dear friend reached out for prayer as she awaited test results. She soon received a similar diagnosis. Having walked through cancer myself and supported my husband through his own cancer battles, I was uniquely equipped to offer hope and encouragement. God often uses our pain to minister to others, as 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 beautifully illustrates.
Lesson 4: Presence Matters More Than Presents
Hearing the words “You have cancer” initially sent my mind spinning with fears and doubts. Yet, as Christmas approached, I was reminded of what truly matters. More than a tree full of gifts, my heart longed to be present with my family. That season taught me to cherish the moments and relationships that truly matter.
Lessons 5: Trust Blooms in Difficult Seasons
For a natural doer like me, resting felt counterintuitive. But in that season of forced stillness, my trust in God deepened. It’s easy to declare trust when life is smooth, but trials provide fertile ground for genuine faith to grow.
Lesson 6: Rest Is Essential for Spiritual Warfare
I once viewed rest as a luxury; now, I learned to view it as a necessity. In the battles we face, physical and spiritual rest fortifies us for the fight.
Lesson 7: God’s Promises Are Sure
When fear and anxiety threatened to overwhelm me, I chose to cling to God’s promises. His peace sustained me through treatments and surgeries, proving that He is always faithful. As Philippians 4:7 assures, His peace transcends understanding and guards our hearts.
Lesson 8: Pain Is Not a Competition
After my surgery, I found myself minimizing my struggles, thinking, “Others have it worse.” Yet, Jesus never compared one person’s pain to another’s. He met each individual where they were. This realization encouraged me to bring my full self—pain and all—to Him.
Lesson 9: The Prayers of Others Strengthen Us
During sleepless nights and moments of deep pain, I often could only utter, “Help” or “Jesus.” Yet, relief always came. Time and again, I learned others were interceding for me at those exact moments. Their prayers were a tangible reminder of God’s strength made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Lesson 10: Christ’s Sacrifice Brings Hope
Cancer treatment gave me a deeper appreciation for the suffering Christ endured on my behalf. As I sat in the treatment chair, I reflected on the incredible gift of His sacrifice—a gift that transforms even our darkest moments into opportunities for gratitude and hope.
I encourage you to reflect on the lessons God has taught you through life’s challenges. These hard-fought insights are treasures worth cherishing.
I’d love to hear the lessons you’ve learned on your journey. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I learned to trade “I don’t know how I’ll do this” for “Lord, I can’t wait to see how You’ll handle this.” That shift changed everything. Share on X Hard seasons reveal deep truths. Here are 10 powerful lessons God taught me after a cancer diagnosis—faith-strengthening reminders for your hardest days. Share on X
Once again, your words penetrate to the heart of the matter.
Blessings to you as you persevere through this latest assignment from God.
Thank you Michele. They’ve been some hard fought lessons, but I’m so grateful that there is purpose in our pain.
Excellent meditations and lessons. Thanks for being open to share your journey. We tend to become introverted at times like that, but God always wants us to share our struggles and the comfort we receive from Him. Thank you.
Karen,
I’ve always been encouraged by other people’s testimonies, so I’m grateful if sharing my own experiences and lessons can offer hope to someone else.
Truth spoken here, Dr. Michelle!
I feel like I could have written this post myself. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2017 and had surgery a year ago this month. 2018 was my year to delve deeper into God and His faithfulness like never before. Blessings to you as you continue your journey and recovery!
Trudy,
I pray you are doing well now. Such trials can either repel us away from God or push us to Him. Glad to hear you leaned into Him. #HopePrevails!
Praying with you Michelle, I can relate to your 10 lessons through walking with my late husband to the gates of heaven with brain cancer (Glialblastoma multiform grade 4) & now through my own chronic health conditions.
I’m reflecting on the past decade at the moment which has been an arduous but blessed journey & will post the reflection on that this week.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thank you for your prayers Jennifer. It’s never an easy journey is it? But there are always gems to learn along the way. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure you miss your husband terribly.
You’re welcome Michelle, no not easy but God’s gems are sweet oases in the desert 😉
I have remarried since but yes I still miss him, it’s a strange phenomenon to be in love with two men. One in eternity & one living…Special…how blessed am I!
It’s difficult having to retire early from practice isn’t it Michelle…a time of grief ensues as does the loss of health…
Wow, what a great list of lessons learned. Thank you for sharing them. I especially liked #5. The picture of trust blossoming stays with me. Thank you. God bless you!
Each one of the these lessons so powerful. Thank you for sharing them as they apply not only when diagnosed with cancer but when facing any difficult challenge. May God continue to keep you, strengthen you, and use you as you walk through this journey. Blessings and love!
Thank you Joanne. Yes, even as I was writing this, I thought of so many other situations it could apply to. I’m grateful for the life lessons the Holy Spirit has taught me through the trials of life.
I’m passing this on to a friend. Thank you for sharing your hard-earned lessons.
Thank you for sharing these.
So many powerful lessons, Michelle. When all the normal human emotions threaten to overwhelm us, it’s so good to have our feet firmly planted on the truth that God is with us and goes before us, and that His plans for us are good and purposeful.
This is truly a word in season. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March and am currently having chemo treatments. I will have surgery in about a month followed by radiation. My Chemo treatments will continue for 9 more months. I loved your lessons learned. I have learned so many. Mainly, the peace God brings, the God human flesh he sends, the strength that is made perfect in my weak moments. I would appriciate your prayers as I walk through this journey.
I’m going through chemo and herceptin right now for Her2+ breast cancer. I remember that day they called and told me I had breast cancer. I was totally stunned. I couldn’t even speak.
I am now half way thru chemo and thanking God they have medicine to heal us. There are those days of being down and out but having faith always pulls me through. I can do this. I have an awesome family and faith that I will be cured.
Prayers for you on your journey. Thanks for sharing.
Michelle you spoke to the heart of the matter here. So beautifully spoken, tenderhearted and encouraging. I still have you on my handwritten prayer list in my journal because you are still in my prayers.
Thanks so very much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
xo
Paula, I remain grateful for your every prayer. With thanks, Michelle
Happy July Michele! Just popping back over to let you know I’ll be featuring your post at the July Sweet Tea & Friend’s Link Up.
{{Hugs}}
Thanks so much, Paula! I appreciate you! Happy July to you!