7 Truths to Anchor You on Your Cancer Journey

Bev Dube 1955-2023

When my mother-in-law Bev was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she began journaling—in the wee hours of the morning when she couldn't sleep. She gathered her Bible, hot cup of coffee, devotional books, worship music and spent intentional time with her Heavenly Father. She didn’t write about her symptoms or fears. Instead, she filled pages with scriptures, truths, prayers, and gratitude lists.

It was her way of staying anchored to God, and not paralyzed by fear.And over time, as I read through her journals, I began to see a pattern—seven truths she returned to again and again. These truths helped her to focus on what God was promising her .

Whether you’re in your own cancer journey or walking beside someone who is, I hope these truths remind you: you are not alone. God is still writing your story.

7 Truths

1. Purpose

God has a plan and a purpose for me

Quote from Bev's journal: “God is not in heaven wringing his hands wondering how I got here… He already knows the number of my days… God is still God, still present and He isn't going anywhere!”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11

• Prompt: God, what purpose might You be working in my life right now—even here?

• Prayer Starter: Lord, help me to trust that You are writing something good, even when I can't see it

• Step: Write down one way you can live with intention today—big or small.

  Whether it’s texting a friend, journaling a verse, or simply showing up to your appointment with faith—ask God to show you today’s purpose.

2. Peace

   God has promised me peace

Quote from Bev's journal: "The best way to beat back the enemy is to put every fear into the hands of God who made us.. I've found that keeping busy is therapeutic ...get back to whatever God has called you to do. It focuses attention on what you can do rather than what your powerless to control."

“I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart.And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." - John 14:27

• Prompt: Where have I experienced God’s peace recently, even in difficulty?

• Prayer Starter: Prince of Peace, calm the storm inside me today.

• Step: Take five minutes to sit quietly and breathe deeply while repeating a verse (like John 14:27). Breathe in peace and exhale specific things that are worrying you.

3. Faithfulness

   God is ever faithful

   
   

   Quotes from Bev's journal: "Don’t look at your future, look back at how God has provided in your past.” and "God is and has been so very faithful, every step of the way."

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease." - Lamentations 3:22

• Prompt: Where can I look back and see God’s faithfulness in my story?

• Prayer Starter: Thank You, Lord, for always being faithful—even when I waver.

• Step: Start a “God’s Faithfulness” list. Each evening, write down 1–3 small ways you saw God provide, protect, or show up—no matter how simple.

4. Comfort

   He is with me

Quote from Bev's journal: I know God is close to the brokenhearted and he is close to me even though I am weary, worn-down and given to tears. I am getting somewhat used to this new season and with it comes the slow rebuilding of my soul, my heart and my hope. God is my Shepherd and my King! I know beyond the weariness God has something prepared for me - so I will stay the course!

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed" - Psalm 34:18

• Prompt: Lord, where in my pain are You drawing near?

• Prayer Starter: Comforter, meet me in my sorrow and carry my heart.

• Step: Let yourself feel and name your emotion today without judgment.

  Then say: “God, I know You’re near.” Honesty opens the door for comfort.

5. Strength

   The battle is not mine, it's God's

Quote from Bev's journal: "God doesn't call us to find a power within ourselves to overcome the issues we face in this life. He calls us to put on His armor because we're facing a battle. And His weapons aren't silly spiritual suggestions that might or might not work. His weapons are certain.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." -Ephesians 6:13

• Prompt: What burdens do I need to surrender to God today?

• Prayer Starter: God, I trust You to fight for me. Help me release control.

• Step: Identify one thing you're trying to control and surrender it in prayer. Say it out loud or write it in your journal: “God, I release ___ to You.”

6. Thankfulness

   Gratitude grows joy

Quotes: "Start today with a grateful heart and you will get a day with a joyful one." and "It's amazing that when I started thanking God for what I'd gained and not lost, my joys and not my fears, it helped turn my situation around and get me out of the very deep pit I'd slipped into."

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.Give thanks to him and praise his name.For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." - Psalm 100:4-5

• Prompt: What can I thank God for in this very moment?

• Prayer Starter: God, open my eyes to gratitude—even in the middle of hardship.

• Step: Write down 3 things you're grateful for each morning or evening.

  Even if it’s coffee, warm socks, or a nurse’s smile—joy grows where thanks is planted.

7. Hope

   God's gift of Eternity

Quotes: "“You don’t have to know what the future holds because you know who holds the future.” and "My present suffering pales in comparison to my future glory!"

“"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

• Prompt: How does the promise of eternity reshape my fears today?

• Prayer Starter: Jesus, thank You that eternity with You is my hope and inheritance.

• Step : Read a passage about eternity (Rev. 21, John 14:1–3, 1 Cor. 15) and write down a word or phrase that gives you peace.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, weary, or unsure where to begin—start small.

Choose one truth to sit with today. Read the verse. Pray the prayer. Try the step. This isn’t about doing it all at once—it’s about returning to what’s true, again and again.

You are not alone. God is still writing your story. And He is faithful.

Val