When You’re in the Teeth of the Enemy, Victory is Coming: A Devotional

Psalm 3: 7-8 Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! ⁸ Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. 

A new member of our church learned this week that they have cancer. As someone who has survived colon cancer, I could almost feel their anguish and fear. It is such a devastating diagnosis, for in the matter of minutes, you experience nearly every emotion: fear, doubts, disappointment, anger, despair, and you ask, “Why me?” I still remember, and even after 17 years, I worry a little when I feel a stomachache or an unexplained pain.

But, I also remember that when I was in the teeth of cancer, I knew that I had to fight with all I had in me, and more importantly, I could not lose my faith that God could shatter the teeth of my enemies. Victory would be mine if I didn’t faint. I believed in the Lord’s power over anything, although there were days when I thought I would not see another sunrise.

I read the Third Psalm and was reminded that God is still powerful and merciful. I want to text the new member to tell her that what she may be feeling is normal and expected. I know her fight will be different, but I want to encourage her and everyone to continue to trust in the Lord’s power and willingness to bring victory to our lives. It’s sometimes hard because not everyone survives cancer, but it doesn’t mean that God loves some people more than others. It means that victory may look different.

What do you say at a time like this? I think all we can offer is our faith, our prayers, and our presence. God shattered the teeth of poverty, illnesses, and loneliness for me over the years. I believe He will walk with my sister in Christ in this difficult time. Encouragement is always needed.

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