Just over two months before Mitch and I got married, his mom was diagnosed with cancer. Between the initial scans and the final, official diagnosis, there was an initial waiting period chock full of uncertainty, shock, and lots of prayer. Mitch’s dad called a family meeting pretty early on in the process, and while I hated the reason we were gathered in the living room, I was so thankful to be included in that intimate family moment. What followed left quite the impression, and I want to impart the gold from that huddle with you. 

My father-in-law (which, I dislike the term “in-law” so much, by the way. It just feels so… legal?) is a wise, loving, kind man of faith. He gets up at 5 a.m. or earlier every morning to spend time with Jesus and share his prayer requests. He has built a legacy of faith in his family, and from the moment I met Mitch, he spoke so highly of his dad and how he lived out his faith—a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. 

I bring up all this to say: He is a very thoughtful man and a natural leader. If you cut his heart open (this is not an invitation to try), it would have scripture tattooed all over it. And that’s what struck me on this specific occasion. 

It wasn’t the perfect monologue—although it was honest, heartfelt, and encouraging. It wasn’t that he had all the answers or plans—he admitted he did not, although he wished he did. It wasn’t even the way he cared so tenderly for his wife—which he did. Rather, it was the list of promises from God he read us. 

As the conversation rounded on home, he shared a list of verses he wanted us to remember, believe in, and cling to as we waited for more information from the doctors. These weren’t just any verses, they were direct promises we can count on from God. They are words we can put our hope, faith, and trust in. We can hang our hats on them, build our lives on them, and repeat them when we have nothing left to say. 

I shared this story with our community group at the time, and a friend asked for a copy of the list Mitch’s dad made me. I eagerly shared it and thought it might serve you well, too. There’s something powerful about seeing a long list of the good gifts God has promised us. We are His beloved children whom He deeply loves and cares for. I’m not sure how you could look at this list and not well up with gratitude and awe for our good Father. 

This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but these are verses and promises that have exalted, comforted, and uplifted my soul through the past season we endured. Enjoy, and may these words seep deep into your heart and heal your body, mind, and soul. 

PROMISES FROM GOD

“You may ask me anything, and I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:14

“Whatever you ask in prayer, believe you have received, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

“If you abide in me, and my word abides in you, ask whatever you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7

“If two of you agree on Earth about anything, they may ask and it shall be done for you by my Father.” Matthew 18:19

“Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22

“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” 1 John 3:24