I’m at the start of something and I’m not sure how it will end. It’s September 15, 2023. I have an appointment with my consultant to go over the results of scans and biopsies. Fay and I had planned to take a few walks in nature afterward, fully expecting to hear nothing more than the usual “all is well” from the doctor.
But there was something different about that morning. We started the day, as we always do, with scripture. This day it was Psalm 91:1-2:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘You are my refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust.’”
I looked at Fay and said, “I think we’re going to get bad news today.” She nodded, as she often does when God speaks to us through the scriptures. It’s like He’s giving us exactly what we need, right when we need it. And so, this verse—one of refuge and trust—felt like it was already preparing us for what was to come.
And sure enough, it wasn’t the news for which we had hoped. My prostate, the organ that had served me faithfully all these years, had betrayed me. The cancer had spread—first to my pancreas, then my liver, and possibly other places I couldn’t even imagine. The consultant, after breaking the news, looked at me and said, “You’re very brave about this.”
I smiled and said, “It’s like this—there’s a young man inside me. I don’t know how old he is, but he’s been with me all my life. He’s always there, comforting me. His presence reminds me that God has eternity in view for me.”
I believe with all my heart that God has “set eternity in our hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). It’s like this deep knowing, a sense that we were made for something beyond what we see here. That understanding doesn't disappear, even in life’s darkest moments.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007