A personal journey through cancer, healing, and the promise of God’s presence
In this guest post, Ian reflects on what it means to trust God when the outcome is uncertain; drawing on a deeply personal journey that includes serious illness, a life-changing encounter with mortality, and a quiet but enduring assurance of God’s presence, Ian shares how his faith was shaped over 25 years.
This is not simply a story about healing, but about discovering that whether in life or in death, God is with us, and that His presence brings a joy far deeper than circumstances.
I had been aware of God since my childhood, but only “got it” when I was 19 in 1970.
God has been alongside me since then. When I was almost 50 years old, in early January 2001, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma – with a 50/50, 5 year survival outcome. 5 months of “light duty” chemo followed and whilst it reduced the
tumours, it didn’t completely clear them…
Fast forward another 3 months to August 2001, when I was sitting in church one Sunday and heard (audibly – and, for the first time) the words “It’s coming back… and I will be with you”. That second phrase is a familiar theme in the Bible… But God didn’t elaborate (i.e. healing – or simply His presence). The fact that I am writing this – exactly 25 years on – confirms the healing, albeit after 6 months of “heavy duty chemo/stem cell transplant”. I remain grateful and thank God every Sunday. But that almost isn’t the point. I haven’t died yet.. but in time, I will.
And whether it’s in life or death, I know that God is, and will be, WITH ME.
Whenever we enter a new year, wishing one another “happiness” knowing that may, or may not, be our experience in the coming year and whilst happiness might be what you hope for each year, ultimately the presence of God is the only thing that brings long term (eternal?) joy and significance.
I had a life changing encounter with death… Many of us (you?) will simply live a pleasant life watching more TV/sport and enjoying/surviving family until death encounters us.
Worth asking God to reveal Himself to you and be with you NOW…..
Happy new year this and every year.
About the Author
Ian Burnham FCA
Ian trained with KPMG and spent a first career in the downstream oil industry at FD
level culminating at Texaco until they sold their distribution division in 2009.
Since then he has worked in the 3rd sector in executive roles (having been in church
leadership and a trustee of a number of Christian charities prior to that).
For the last 3 years that has been as CEO for a Changing Lives Charity in Clevedon. Ian plays hockey at International Masters level, takes landscape photographs and home is in the New Forest. Freshly getting used to being a grandparent to kids in Devon.
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