Walking With God Through CancerSample

Day 6: Celebrating Small Victories

We often overlook the small victories, fixating instead on the grand accomplishments. Yet we should remind ourselves that significant achievements require time and persistent effort. Remember the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? Our ability to keep going despite the frustration and pain of cancer comes from taking consistent small steps in the right direction.

In the Bible, we see this principle reflected in the life of King David. Before he became the renowned King of Israel, David faithfully tended his father’s sheep, defeated Goliath, and endured years of trials and tribulations. Each small victory prepared him for the greater purpose God had for him. David’s story reminds us that our daily efforts and seemingly minor achievements are essential building blocks for God’s plan.

Small victories are the milestones that mark our progress toward a larger goal. The wins may seem insignificant, but they are vital to our growth and motivation. No matter how small, every step we take brings us closer to our destination. Celebrating our progress builds our confidence, strengthens our resolve, and gives us the courage to face wearisome challenges.

Besides David, the Bible has several examples of individuals who experienced small victories that led to significant achievements. Moses, for instance, led the children of Israel out of Egypt step‑by‑step, facing numerous challenges along the way. With God’s help, each hurdle he overcame brought him closer to fulfilling God’s promise of delivering His people to the promised land.

Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “We can make our plans, but the lord determines our steps” (NLT). This verse encourages us to trust that each small, God‑directed movement is part of an overarching journey. We acknowledge God’s hand in our progress by celebrating our small victories and moving forward with Him.

When I returned home from a hospital visit, my legs were weakened. I knew I needed to strengthen them, but I could not walk much. I set a goal for distance using a step tracker and celebrated each time I accomplished more movement than the previous day, even if it was only by ten steps. Celebrating each small victory gave me hope and confidence that I could achieve my larger goal. I could have been disappointed at my weakness and my lack of immediate results, but I knew God was at work in every step I took. I could celebrate His faithfulness and guidance toward my goal.

Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV). This assurance reminds us that God is continually at work in us, shaping us through every small challenge and conquest. We can find joy in each small victory by trusting His process.

As we fight cancer, we should take time to reflect on the progress we’ve made, no matter how seemingly insignificant. We can cultivate an attitude of gratitude, thanking God for every small victory and the lessons learned along the way. We can also encourage and inspire fellow patients, nurses, and doctors by sharing our small triumphs with them.

A CLOSING THOUGHT

Every small victory, kindness, step of faith, and determined act brings us closer to God’s vision. To embrace and celebrate small victories is essential, knowing these wins are significant milestones on our paths to confidence, hope, and a better understanding of God’s plan for our lives.

REFLECTION

Take a few moments to read 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

• In your journal, list some small victories you’ve experienced. Prayerfully thank God for those small victories and how He’s leading you to the goal of perfecting your faith.