Prepare to meet your God. Amos 512 almost everyone has been touched by cancer. Some of you, like me, have been diagnosed with cancer yourselves. Even if you have not faced a dreaded disease yourself, odds are good that someone in your family or circle of friends has the National Cancer Institute reports that over 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. In 2016, there were more than 15.5 million cancer survivors in the US, and that number is expected to increase to more than 20 million in the next few years due to better research and treatments. I take part in a relay for cancer event each year. It's always an exciting event, lots of good food, fun games, interesting displays and booths, and sometimes even a broken bone or two, which could be the subject of a future episode. The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is designed to support those dealing with cancer, raise awareness, educate people on prevention, and to raise funds for research and treatment. One writer made an excellent point when he noted that cancer, terrible as it is, cannot cripple love, corrode faith, kill friendship, invade the soul, erase the promises of God, lessen the power of the resurrection, or shatter the hope of heaven. Cancer, like any other disease, will affect the body. It may even hasten death for some. But all of us are going to die someday anyway, so that fact alone shouldn't be all that startling. Besides, anyone prepared by faith in Christ need not fear death whenever it comes or by what means. Because in Christ, death doesn't have the final word. The prophet Amos reminded the people of Israel that they should be prepared to meet their creator. So should we, whether we have cancer or not, why deny ourselves peace of mind? Should cancer, violence, or injury strike our lives? Why rob our families of the comfort of knowing that we who are in Christ will certainly be reunited with them in heaven? If you are not prepared to meet your God, isn't it time you did something about it? And if you are prepared, then don't waste time worrying about cancer or other threats. Live life to the fullest, no matter what comes your way, celebrating both the life you have now and the life yet to come that is promised to all who are in Christ.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day and we hope youll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.