The American Churchman: Cancer and the ABCs of Dealing with Worry
Mar 26, 2025
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Mike Abendroth, Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church and author of "Cancer Is Not Your Shepherd," shares his insights on dealing with worry, particularly regarding cancer. He emphasizes the importance of faith during trials and encourages listeners to rely on community support. The conversation covers the authenticity of encouragement and the necessity for deep discussions about suffering. Abendroth also delves into the distinctions between law and gospel, urging clarity in understanding faith, identity, and morality amidst today's complexities.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing anxiety during health crises, highlighting faith as a remedy to overcome worry.
The discussion on God's sovereignty reassures listeners that suffering serves a divine purpose, even amid personal health challenges.
Listeners are encouraged to actively support others facing trials, fostering a community of resilience and shared faith during difficult times.
Deep dives
Understanding Biological Age
The episode highlights the difference between chronological age and biological age, emphasizing how lifestyle choices can significantly impact a person's aging process. It discusses the role of True Diagnostic’s at-home kit, which utilizes epigenetic testing to provide insights into an individual's biological age and overall health status. This kit analyzes over 75 key longevity biomarkers, including metabolic health and immune response, helping users understand their health risks and areas for improvement. The speaker's personal experience taking the test demonstrates the practical application and potential benefits of such technology.
The Importance of Addressing Anxiety and Worry
The podcast delves into the struggles individuals face when dealing with health crises, particularly cancer, and how anxiety can manifest in these situations. It stresses the importance of acknowledging that anxiety is often a sin against trust in God, and that individuals must learn to combat worry with faith. The speaker shares their own journey with cancer diagnoses, highlighting how they wrestled with feelings of fear despite their knowledge of biblical truths about God's sovereignty. This candid reflection serves to connect with others who experience similar struggles, emphasizing that worrying is a common challenge even among those in faith leadership.
The Role of God's Sovereignty in Suffering
The discussion centers on the concept of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, particularly during trials. It encourages listeners to consider that suffering can serve a deeper purpose in God's plan, reminding them that experiencing pain or illness does not equate to abandonment by God. The speaker reflects on personal experiences with cancer and the theological implications of trusting in God's goodness even when the outcomes may differ from expectations. This perspective reinforces the idea that faith is sustained not just by understanding, but also by real-life experiences of God's faithfulness.
Chasing After God Amid Trials
Listeners are encouraged to actively pursue a relationship with God and focus on His glory, especially during difficult times. The podcast suggests that trials serve not only to refine personal faith but also equip individuals to provide support to others facing similar challenges. The speaker emphasizes the importance of shifting focus away from self-pity and instead, reaching out to help others can be an expression of one's faith. This mindset fosters a community of support and resilience, where individuals can find strength through their shared experiences.
Living in the Present and Avoiding Excessive Worry
The episode concludes with advice on how to stay grounded and avoid borrowing trouble from the future. It illustrates the futility of worrying about potential issues that may never arise and the importance of living fully in the present moment. By sharing a personal anecdote about navigating health concerns, the speaker reinforces the idea that each day holds its own challenges and that focusing on today rather than worrying about tomorrow is vital. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness in daily interactions is suggested as a way to maintain balance and peace during life's uncertainties.
Mike Abendroth joins the podcast to discuss his book "Cancer is not your shepherd."
The American Churchman exists to encourage men to fulfill their God-given duties with gentleness and courage. Go to https://theamericanchurchman.com for more.
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