You know, folks, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, and it's a reminder that God cares about every part of us, body, soul, and spirit. He hasn't left us to wander through sickness alone.
In Scotland today, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers women face, with around 4,800 to 5,100 new cases each year. But thank the Lord, death rates from it have dropped down to about 11% over the last decade. That is all because of early detection, better treatments, and programs that bring help right to where people are.
Right here in our area, Helensburgh and Dumbarton, the NHS has these mobile screening units. They're those big trailers you see parked at Morrisons on Cardross Road or Asda at St James Retail Park. Women from 50 to 70 (sometimes up to 71) get invited every three years for a simple mammogram.
No long drive into Glasgow needed. It's just practical wisdom, bringing the screening to the people so more can get checked early. And early is key! It saves lives by catching things before they become bigger problems. Amid all the strains on hospitals these days, delays, staffing shortages, beds tied up, these mobile units are a real blessing, making important care accessible.
A few years back, my wife had a scare with a lump. We prayed, we trusted the Lord, and praise God, it wasn't cancer. Those waiting moments tested our faith, but the Lord carried us through. Then I watched an episode of The Surgeon on Channel 5, Season 1, Episode 2, with consultant breast surgeon Sascha Dua.
She's an oncoplastic specialist, meaning she removes the cancer while doing all she can to keep the breast looking as natural as possible afterwards.
In one case, she talked about shaping the excision like a triangle, not that the tumour itself is triangular, but the way she plans the cut: a triangular wedge of tissue and sometimes skin.
For tumours in certain spots (like the lower part of the breast), this lets her get clear margins, healthy tissue all around the cancer, while reshaping things so there's less chance of returning cancer or scarring.
It's skilled work, compassionate work. And I thought, that's God giving insight to doctors, just like He gives wisdom to anyone who asks (James 1:5).
The Bible doesn't talk about "breast cancer" by name. That Greek word karkinos for tumors, meaning "crab", came from ancient doctors noticing how the veins spread out like crab legs. Scripture doesn't use medical terms like that. But it sure speaks to sickness, pain, and God's heart for the hurting. Jesus healed the sick everywhere He went because He had compassion. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Listen to what the Word says: "Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me, and I will be saved, For You are my praise" (Jeremiah 17:14).
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25).
James 5:14–15 tells us to call the elders, pray over the sick, and anoint with oil in faith. The church we attend, Vizion Glasgow, practices this and believes God can heal miraculously and I have seen it.
But I also believe God uses doctors and medicine, He gave them the knowledge. When a surgeon operates, or a medicine helps, that is God's provision too. We pray first, trust Him fully, but we don't reject the help He provides. Balance, faith and wisdom together.
There's a little story that always makes me smile and think. A man slips off a cliff and grabs a branch, hanging on desperately. He cries out, 'Help! Is anyone up there?' The Lord answers, 'Yes, it's Me. Do you trust Me?' 'Yes, Lord, I trust You!' 'Then let go of the branch.'
Long pause... and the man shouts, 'Is there anyone else up there?'
We laugh, but we're often just like him. We pray for help in a health scare or trial, we say we trust, but when God asks us to release our grip, on fear, on our plans, on clinging to what feels safe, we start looking for backups.
In facing something like cancer, we pray boldly for healing while wisely going to doctors, getting screened at those mobile units, taking the treatments God provides.
But real faith means letting go of the worry and control, trusting He'll catch us, through miracle, medicine, or His perfect timing. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding' (Proverbs 3:5)."
In our ministry here at bornagainchristians.org, we teach the whole counsel of God, verse by verse. We trust Him for healing, but we encourage folks to get checked, go to those mobile units if invited, it is good stewardship of the body God gave you.
Pray for those facing cancer or scares. Pray for healing, comfort, peace. And if you're worried, talk to your doctor or check nhsinform.scot.
The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Nothing separates us from His love (Romans 8:38–39).
May the Lord bless you richly in Helensburgh, Dumbarton, and wherever you are.
Keep looking to Jesus, He's the Great Physician.
Peter
Add comment