Nothing to Fear

Nothing to Fear

As a Pastor, I read Larry Burkett’s book, Nothing to Fear: The Key to Cancer Survival, intrigued about his suggestions for anyone facing this monumental challenge.  His writes this short book (157 pages) with very accessible and helpful prose.  His recommendations easily apply to any situation.  First, he insists persons dealing with cancer thoroughly research the disease.  Indeed, “knowledge is power.”  One does not feel like a victim if one has information.  Second, Burkett forcefully asserts patients assume responsibility for their health.  Cancer patients should not uncritically accept the opinions of physicians. 

Third, he strongly encourages patients to explore “intellectually respectable” alternative treatments.  Burkett posits strengthening the immune system may be a greater benefit and lead to longer survival than traditional treatments.  He suggests patients think outside of the box.  Fourth, Burkett emphasizes benefits of good nutrition.  Finally and most significantly, he passionately encourages his readers to find the “peace of God that passes all human understanding” (Philippians 4:7) He attributes its acquisition as key to his cancer survival. 

Burkett survived renal cell carcinoma for ten years prior to his death seven years ago.  He received diagnosis while on summer vacation.  The nurse told him to return immediately to home for additional tests.  Amazingly, Burkett recalls he did not panic nor begin to question God.  He actually was overcome with the peace of God.  Burkett writes about God’s enduring faithfulness and wisdom.  Whatever happens, God is ultimately in control and His perfect will shall be done. Acceptance empowered Burkett to “fight” his disease and enjoy a meaningful life.  Additionally, Burkett states he led more people to Christ in years of his cancer survival than in the totality of his previous twenty-six years as a believer.  Burkett credits his evangelism, book and continuation in ministry as reasons for his survival. 

Fighting against the facts impedes emergence of God’s peace.  We accept the facts!  We have cancer.  We are in debt.  We need help.  We lack wisdom.  We do not have a clue.  We have a problem (food, gossip, alcohol, gambling or drugs).  Unless we willingly accept those facts, we cannot resolve them.  Acceptance is synonymous with honesty.  God requires we straightforwardly acknowledge our need of His help.  When we do so, He graciously reassures us of His abiding love and sustaining presence. 

The “Prayer of Serenity” demonstrates a correlation between acceptance and peace. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”  Splitting hairs about facts in fallacious hope of changing them never yields peace.  Frustration and agony result.  Bargaining and denial belie peace.  He will give you wisdom to differentiate what you can change.  The peace you experience will be directly proportional to your willingness to accept facts.