10 Reasons Why I’m Thankful For Cancer

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Getting diagnosed with cancer is the worst! No one wants to face a life full of uncertainty, pain, and suffering. When I was told that my leukemia—a form of blood cancer—had relapsed not once, not twice, but for the third time, I felt devastated. I was scared, heartbroken, and overwhelmed by disappointment.

But somehow, in the midst of the darkness, I found something unexpected—a reason to be thankful. I know it sounds strange, but this journey has brought me to a place where light and gratitude are central to my story.

Over the past three years of battling cancer, I’ve seen Jesus show up in ways I never imagined. He has been with me in my darkest moments, reminding me that He is sovereign—always above and beyond my cancer. Because of Him, I’ve experienced lessons and blessings that I may never have known otherwise.

So today, on Thanksgiving Day, I want to share something close to my heart: 10 Reasons Why I’m Thankful for Cancer.

A More Intimate Relationship With God

Walking through pain and suffering, I have gained a profound understanding and experience of God’s love for me beyond words. When I go through painful procedures—like a bone marrow biopsy where they pierce my bone—I think of the suffering Jesus endured on the cross for me. Knowing that the suffering servant also went through so much pain, I can freely draw near Him because He understands what I’m going through.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8

A Deepening Bond With Family

Cancer has brought my family and me closer together. We’ve learned to let go of things that don’t matter and to value the important things in life. Even when we’re apart, I’m grateful for the nightly FaceTime calls where we come together for family worship. Cancer caused us to draw closer to God as a family in faith and prayer. Cancer brought us closer by supporting and loving one another.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

Intentionality With Time
 
This disease taught me to cherish time and make the most of each day. When tomorrow feels uncertain, I’ve learned to treasure today—the mornings I wake up, the small joys of life, and the simple gift of being alive. I’ve learned to do what I can now instead of waiting for the “perfect time.” And to live life to the fullest every day!

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Shaping of My Character
 
The Bible always teaches us that suffering is equated to the shaping of our characters — to be Christ-like. Cancer continues to build my character in patience, resilience, and compassion for others who are suffering.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

Experiences of Miracles
 
Oh, countless miracles! I’ve seen God work in both big and small ways—from procedures that were supposed to be painful but weren’t, to beating survival odds I wasn’t expected to overcome. Every miracle, no matter the size, reminds me that God is still at work. Miracles still happen and God is still a miracle-working God!

“You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” – Psalm 77:14

Outpouring of God’s Providence
 
I’ve seen God’s provision show up in ways I could never have orchestrated myself. From leading me to the best doctors, to providing blood donors for my transfusions, to meeting the financial needs for my expensive treatments—He has provided over and over again. Our God, the Jehovah Jireh, proves Himself as the great provider! The saying is true, “Wherever God leads us, He will never fail to provide.”

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Sufficiency of His Grace
 
Getting countless treatments can be painful! From the hundreds of needles poked in my body for blood extractions, infusions, catheter insertions, spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, and transfusions and to not being able to eat and getting so weak that I can’t get things done on my own. The pain never gets easier! But God’s grace has been my constant. When I feel like I can’t do it anymore, His strength carries me through. It is because of Him living inside of me that I can be strong and able to conquer so many things.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

An Intimate Form of Worship
 
Many of you know that I love serving the Lord through worship leading. But because of cancer, I have been limited to do so, let alone attend Church physically. And yet, God has nurtured my posture of worship because of cancer. The songs I hear and sing have never felt more genuine! Because of cancer, I feel God’s presence deeper whenever I utter songs of praise. May it be on the car radio on the way to hospital visits or in the privacy of my room, to singing with family, and even the one or two times of corporate worship at church. Tears would well up in my eyes and my heart would just be filled with praise for who God is.

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” – Habakkuk 3:17-18

A Life of Gratitude and Contentment
 
I’ve always been a big dreamerI love to plan things for the future and never settle for anything basic. Yes, there’s nothing bad to dream big! And I believe that everyone should do so. But cancer has taught me to be grateful for what I have and to be content with the good things that God has given me in the present. Finding joy in small things and content of God’s provision.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13

The Reality of Eternal Hope in Christ
 
Lastly, cancer has reminded me of the eternal hope I have in Christ! Whatever the outcome — healing on earth or in heaven, I have the assurance that God holds me in His hands and that my future is secure! This assurance gives me peace no matter what lies ahead.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8

Reflecting on these 10 reasons, I am reminded of how God can turn what was meant for harm into something good! How he can shine the brightest of light in our darkest moments. Cancer has been one of the hardest battles that I continue to face, but it has also become an avenue for my growth!

So if you are also walking through a similar valley, I want to encourage you that God is with us! His presence is before you. He is faithful in the storm. Look for His hand in the details. You may not see it now, but someday, you might look back and realize that even in the pain, there were reasons to be thankful.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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