The caller ID told me who it was before I even answered the phone. It was Deb, my dear friend.

I answered.

“It’s cancer,” she said.

Her voice began to quake as she cried openly on the other end. Reassuring me, she continued, “I’ll be fine. I’m okay. I just need to process what I’ve learned and talk to God.”

That was a few months ago now. Since then, I’ve watched my friend walk a very hard road that has included one of the most intensive (and physically destructive) chemo treatments known to man.

Her hair has fallen out. Her body, which used to work out daily at her local gym, is now plagued with fatigue. Her mind has been assailed with plenty of doubts and fears.

Yet, she smiles. She wears colorful socks that proclaim I AM JOYFUL! She speaks vulnerably about her story to anyone who asks and she continues to tackle each new day as she purposefully lives on mission for God.

She knows firsthand how overwhelming and hopeless the weight of a cancer diagnosis can feel as well as the trepidation of walking through each treatment alone.

And still, she trusts.

“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched…Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.” (Psalm 69:1-3; 15 NIV)

At some point in our Christian walk, the above prayer will be our cry. It may not be because of cancer, but we all will reach places where we feel like we’re sinking, unable to find our footing, not sure of how to put one foot in front of the other.

The Scriptures are loaded with examples of people who walked through seasons that felt fiery to their souls and overwhelming to their hearts.

Noah navigated a worldwide flood (Genesis 7:11-24), Moses led thousands upon thousands of Israelites through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:15-31), and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tossed into a literal fiery furnace and came out alive to give God all the glory (Daniel 3:13-30).

So, how do we respond when the fire is hot and the waters are deep?

While it’s not necessarily easy (or natural) to our flesh, God’s heart for us is to respond in confidence (yes, it may feel pointless); with trust (yes, it may feel empty); and with the hope that whatever temporary affliction we find ourselves going through is but for a moment and is actually “producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 CSB)

Despite what our soul may be feeling and contrary to everything the enemy may be screaming, we have God’s word, which is certain and sure, and even more importantly, we have God Himself who is very present, sees, and cares.

If the fire is hot today and the waters are rushing in like a flood, I pray you would anchor there, my friend.

Let your spiritual roots go down deep into the rich soil of God’s word. Focus on the eternal work God is doing in you. And, believe with boldness and unwavering faith what He says to you today:

“Do not be afraid – I will save you…you are Mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God…who saves you.”  (Is. 43:1-3 GNT)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!