This is a cervical cancer survivor story by Athena Porter. You can read her full Cervivor Story here.

“How did you find the strength to go through cancer?”

I’ve been asked this question or a variation of it many times since I was diagnosed and treated for cervical cancer in 2023. Whenever I’ve answered that question, the answer sometimes changes, like, “My husband, my family, or friends helped me through it.” But the number one reason I always give is my faith in Jesus. 

The world we live in is a beautiful one, albeit a broken one. Many of us experience pain, loss, or tragedy. When many things around us can change in an instant, I’m able to return to a God who doesn’t change. A God who is loving, forgiving, patient, and eternal. Who God is helps define who I am. I am a human being created in the image of God. My life circumstances don’t define me. My emotions don’t define me. And being a cancer survivor doesn’t define me. Jesus defines me. When I can rest in my identity in Christ, I’m given a peace that gives me strength to handle any situation. 

When My Faith Was Tested and Deepened

When I heard the words, “You have cancer,” my first prayer wasn’t polished or hopeful—it was a single word: why? Why did this happen to me? What if everything goes wrong? What will happen to my husband and children? I was angry and confused, and I didn’t understand how anything good could come from this diagnosis. There were moments when my faith felt shaken, but I was reminded through my loved ones and my church community that God is big enough to handle my questions, my fear, and even my anger.

On the days when everything felt overwhelming, I learned to dig deeper by turning to Scripture. When the world around me felt chaotic and uncertain, I could rest in a God who is calm, faithful, and full of promise. Because my cancer was caused by HPV, there were moments of shame and fear of judgment, but Romans 10:11 reminds us that “whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” My identity is found in Christ, not in my diagnosis or my past. God has used this journey to replace fear with peace and shame with purpose, and I trust that He will continue to use my story to bring hope and joy to others.

Finding Peace and Identity Beyond a Cancer Diagnosis

When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, scripture brought me much comfort, specifically Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” This verse provides the answer to the question stated at the beginning of this article. Any strength I had that got me through a cancer diagnosis came from Christ. Any peace I had during my cancer diagnosis came from Christ. The answer is always Christ. 

For those in the midst of pain, loss, or tragedy, this can feel like a foreign concept. I get it. It’s hard to see past the pain. But Jesus Christ experienced the ultimate pain and paid the ultimate price for our sins. That kind of love is one that can carry you through the pain and bring you to peace. We aren’t promised that our lives will be easy. But we are promised a helper of the Holy Spirit to guide us. 

For those struggling and seeking peace, I urge you to find a church home that can come alongside you to guide you in your relationship with Jesus. If you know someone who has the light of Jesus shining from them, ask them questions. Start reading the Bible on your own or find a Bible study group. Cervivor is starting a bible study this month, and we would love for you to join us! There are a lot of ways to start your path to a relationship with Jesus. And he is patiently waiting for you, ready to embrace you. 

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