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Don't Waste Your Cancer
How are we as Christians called to respond when cancer invades our lives, whether our own bodies or those of our friends and family? On the eve of his own cancer surgery, John Piper writes about cancer as an opportunity to glorify God. With pastoral sensitivity, compassion, and strength, Piper gently but firmly acknowledges that we can indeed waste our cancer when we don’t see how it is God’s good plan for us and a hope-filled path for making much of Jesus. Don’t Waste Your Cancer is for anyone touched by a life-threatening illness. It first appeared as an appendix in Suffering and the Sovereignty of God . Repackaged and republished, it will serve as a hope-giving resource for healthcare workers, pastors, counselors, and others caring for those with cancer and other serious illnesses. The booklets are also available in packs of ten.
16 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
55 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,628 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 15, 2023
I connected with this book on a deep level.
I listened to the audio and a lot of what Piper said I had come to terms with myself on the marble. I understood what he was trying to say, but I can understand why some would find his message off-putting. But I think the underlying thing he's trying to say is don't waste the time you have left.
There it is and there you have it.
I listened to the audio and a lot of what Piper said I had come to terms with myself on the marble. I understood what he was trying to say, but I can understand why some would find his message off-putting. But I think the underlying thing he's trying to say is don't waste the time you have left.
There it is and there you have it.
April 25, 2018
I’ve got to admit, I found parts of this book hard to read. The idea that even suffering comes from God seems a bitter pill to swallow and counter to so much of the message of the modern day church... and yet if we believe that God is truly sovereign and that all of His words are true (including the bit about suffering producing character and hope, and those bits in Job that are hard to deal with) then we must also believe nothing that happens is outside of his ultimate plan. As Piper explains, even when we can’t see a reason for our suffering, we can take comfort in knowing that God is good and so he must have a purpose for it.
As someone with family members who have been through cancer in recent years, I’m considering how I might use this book as an encouragement to them. I know it was convicting and encouraging for me, but due to the psychological ups and downs of the individual cancer journeys people go on, I think I will seek wisdom from God about how to share this resource with those for whom serious reflection on the subject of death (advocated in one of the chapters) may not at times be a healthy course of action. That said, Piper is right in his message and I do believe seeing cancer as a way to glorify God is an empowering and comforting way to approach this difficult subject.
As someone with family members who have been through cancer in recent years, I’m considering how I might use this book as an encouragement to them. I know it was convicting and encouraging for me, but due to the psychological ups and downs of the individual cancer journeys people go on, I think I will seek wisdom from God about how to share this resource with those for whom serious reflection on the subject of death (advocated in one of the chapters) may not at times be a healthy course of action. That said, Piper is right in his message and I do believe seeing cancer as a way to glorify God is an empowering and comforting way to approach this difficult subject.
February 5, 2021
2.5 at best. His thoughts on cancer lean more on discovering the meaning of one’s cancer with little to no regard of the pain and lamenting that accompanies such a diagnosis. I am unsure if he truly meant for such an interpretation having gone through cancer himself, but it comes across as a negation of suffering.
July 26, 2025
Read this for a dear friend. Wanted to see if it was a good book to gift. I did think it was good - but very very short - really too short IMO.
September 19, 2017
A couple of men suffering with cancer in my church have been powerfully changed by reflecting on this very short offering from Piper. I would gladly hand it to any Christian convinced of the sovereignty of God, even those whose cancer will end in death. Additionally I would encourage those who are suffering, in any of the vast ways we do in this fallen world, to meditate on this sampler of a God given and glorifying theology of suffering
September 16, 2022
"“What God permits, he permits for a reason. And that reason is his design ... If we don't believe our cancer is designed for us by God, we will waste it.”
Piper doesn't waste words. He doesn't give arguments. He gives short theologically loaded biblical truths. For someone suffering, his words come in a pill that is hard to swallow. But those who can down the contents of this book will find comfort and hope.
Piper doesn't waste words. He doesn't give arguments. He gives short theologically loaded biblical truths. For someone suffering, his words come in a pill that is hard to swallow. But those who can down the contents of this book will find comfort and hope.
March 5, 2013
Piper's little pamphlet on cancer makes some good and worthwhile connections. He tries hard to point to God, even in the presence of cancer, reminding the reader (and himself) of a perspective with eternity in mind and the means God uses to make us holy.
However, not all of his thoughts are respectful of the human person, particularly the frightened or grieving believer. Similarly, some of his thoughts divide circumstances into black and white, good and bad options that are unyielding and unable to find good in bad or vice-versa. For example, he negates the possibility of receiving comfort from survival statistics, pointing to God as the Christian's comfort. Is there no room for both? Victory is not found in survival, he argues, but in loving Jesus. Again, can't victory be found in both? Must we obliterate one in favor of the other?
More problematic is the section where he urges the reader to think about death. While there is validity to this, some people, particularly in the midst of frightening circumstances, may not be emotionally capable of doing this, and to push them to do so could result in panic, depression, or even long-term psychological trauma. Christians in the first centuries were often urged to consider death, and we have lost this, but frightening circumstances may not be the best time to introduce such a discipline.
Finally, and most consistently damaging to the book, is the constant condemning tone. The repeated theme is, "If you do this, you're wasting your cancer." The essential message is that if you fail to fulfill even one of Piper's axioms, there is something wrong with you. He once cites Romans 8:1 which says that there is no condemnation for the Christian, but then he spends the rest of the book condemning the Christian who is unable to do what he calls for.
Piper's treatise makes demands of the Christian cancer patient while offering very little hope or comfort. Had the book been written as invitation rather than condemnation, it could be quite useful and meaningful. As it is, to the wrong person, it could even be abusive.
However, not all of his thoughts are respectful of the human person, particularly the frightened or grieving believer. Similarly, some of his thoughts divide circumstances into black and white, good and bad options that are unyielding and unable to find good in bad or vice-versa. For example, he negates the possibility of receiving comfort from survival statistics, pointing to God as the Christian's comfort. Is there no room for both? Victory is not found in survival, he argues, but in loving Jesus. Again, can't victory be found in both? Must we obliterate one in favor of the other?
More problematic is the section where he urges the reader to think about death. While there is validity to this, some people, particularly in the midst of frightening circumstances, may not be emotionally capable of doing this, and to push them to do so could result in panic, depression, or even long-term psychological trauma. Christians in the first centuries were often urged to consider death, and we have lost this, but frightening circumstances may not be the best time to introduce such a discipline.
Finally, and most consistently damaging to the book, is the constant condemning tone. The repeated theme is, "If you do this, you're wasting your cancer." The essential message is that if you fail to fulfill even one of Piper's axioms, there is something wrong with you. He once cites Romans 8:1 which says that there is no condemnation for the Christian, but then he spends the rest of the book condemning the Christian who is unable to do what he calls for.
Piper's treatise makes demands of the Christian cancer patient while offering very little hope or comfort. Had the book been written as invitation rather than condemnation, it could be quite useful and meaningful. As it is, to the wrong person, it could even be abusive.
January 5, 2025
I wanted to kick off the new year with a new perspective about my husband’s heart attack that he had last Oct. He is only 47 and we have 3 young children. I feel very grateful and fortunate that he survived and is doing so much better. Please pray we do not waste this heart attack.
I know some people find the sovereignty of God over everything including cancer to be distasteful. But distancing God by suggesting “He has nothing to do with this” is not comforting to me nor do I find that to be consistent with Scripture. Stated another way, did God allow the cross to happen to Jesus or did God ordain it? Satan, evil, and suffering are real of course. But God’s will is ultimate. So for those believers who are struggling, may this be a reminder that the story ends in joy.
I know some people find the sovereignty of God over everything including cancer to be distasteful. But distancing God by suggesting “He has nothing to do with this” is not comforting to me nor do I find that to be consistent with Scripture. Stated another way, did God allow the cross to happen to Jesus or did God ordain it? Satan, evil, and suffering are real of course. But God’s will is ultimate. So for those believers who are struggling, may this be a reminder that the story ends in joy.
December 31, 2018
Several friends have benefited from this booklet through their own cancer journey, and based on their recommendation, I've sent it to others. When I spotted the audio version on Scribd, I thought it'd be worth a listen. I was right. While I don't have any (current) need for a book on cancer, the theme of trusting God during trials is applicable to more than one disease.
Reader was OK.
Reader was OK.
December 6, 2022
“Cancer is not a curse. Christ has taken the curse of our condemnation and the curse of our diseases. That means the diseases we still bear are not a curse. That have been transformed from a punitive pathway to hell, into a purifying pathway to heaven. If I can’t see that cancer is Gods design for my life, I’m wasting my cancer.”
Piper writes from experience having went through his own bout with cancer. Great little book to share with others!
Piper writes from experience having went through his own bout with cancer. Great little book to share with others!
October 18, 2023
great theme, could be further developed
When you first get a cancer diagnosis, you probably aren’t looking for a complete treatise in suffering.
However, it seems like this book just touches the surface of all that can and should be said in the topic.
But what it said is good.
When you first get a cancer diagnosis, you probably aren’t looking for a complete treatise in suffering.
However, it seems like this book just touches the surface of all that can and should be said in the topic.
But what it said is good.
June 29, 2025
I do not have cancer, but as someone with long-term chronic illness this book was recommended to me. It’s a quick read, and was a comfort and encouragement to me. A good reminder to make the most of every circumstance for the glory of God.
March 9, 2019
Um bom e-book, pequeno e direto.
January 8, 2015
Great little booklet
This is exactly what needed for perspective on dealing with recently diagnosed breast cancer. The 11 points were solid and applicable and Christ centered. I had just re read "Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper, and this followed well. It's short and to the point. For me, I loved it. I copied down the verses to memorize and refer back to it regularly. Hence, 5 stars be cause I use it.
This is exactly what needed for perspective on dealing with recently diagnosed breast cancer. The 11 points were solid and applicable and Christ centered. I had just re read "Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper, and this followed well. It's short and to the point. For me, I loved it. I copied down the verses to memorize and refer back to it regularly. Hence, 5 stars be cause I use it.
September 26, 2020
An excellent devotional about facing a life challenge. Each page has a fresh theological perspective on the problem of suffering. The book is written within the context of a cancer sufferer, but the truth contained here can be applied to almost any problem. A great book to read and meditate on. I've given several copies away to friends who are working their way through serious illnesses.
August 23, 2019
So comforting
This small booklet is full of treasures. I was just diagnosed with colon cancer and was devastated! After reading this little booklet, I know that God will be with me through this cancer and that I have a responsibility to not waste what God is teaching me through this experience.
This small booklet is full of treasures. I was just diagnosed with colon cancer and was devastated! After reading this little booklet, I know that God will be with me through this cancer and that I have a responsibility to not waste what God is teaching me through this experience.
February 6, 2013
This book has some good points that are helpful to think about when facing cancer. I guess I was looking for something which would give advice on pastoral care of people facing cancer.
April 19, 2020
So relevant to today. Could easily be repackaged as "Don't Waste Your Coronavirus Quarantine."
January 1, 2021
As someone battling cancer now, I found this book encouraging as I seek to make Cancer matter!
March 28, 2019
DON'T WASTE YOUR CANCER by John Piper is a provocative title for this brief, 18-page list of thoughts on cancer, and how not to waste the time you spend while it is in your life.
I debated whether to call this a book since it is so brief, but a book is usually bound pages, this book can be found in bound form. Also, children's books are often brief and I still refer to them as books, so this tiny thing is a book as well.
Piper refers to cancer as a gift, as something beneficial. Now there is an eye-opener. He does not delve very far with this; each though consists of one page each. I wish he had gone further with the thought.
Here are a few thoughts from the book which leap out at me:
1 )"God’s design is to wean us off the breast of the world and feast us on the sufficiency of Christ," says Piper. This quote gave me pause. It is helping me to understand, not only why I do not have the health I want, but so many other things might be because I'm too hooked to worldly or earthly constructs.
2) "Don’t just think of battling against cancer. Also think of battling with cancer." This means think of cancer as a tool that helps you rid yourself of other issues, like pride, or forgetting to be grateful.
3)"We waste our cancer if we refuse to think about death." YES! I like to ruminate on death, turn it over in my mind, try to understand it as much as possible, just like any other concept, because it is inevitable. It is just a joy to find someone who seems to think the same.
I read this book from the free PDF version of it that he has on his website - DesiringGod.org
I came across it while perusing the site after reading another of his books about illness - LESSONS FROM A HOSPITAL BED.
I debated whether to call this a book since it is so brief, but a book is usually bound pages, this book can be found in bound form. Also, children's books are often brief and I still refer to them as books, so this tiny thing is a book as well.
Piper refers to cancer as a gift, as something beneficial. Now there is an eye-opener. He does not delve very far with this; each though consists of one page each. I wish he had gone further with the thought.
Here are a few thoughts from the book which leap out at me:
1 )"God’s design is to wean us off the breast of the world and feast us on the sufficiency of Christ," says Piper. This quote gave me pause. It is helping me to understand, not only why I do not have the health I want, but so many other things might be because I'm too hooked to worldly or earthly constructs.
2) "Don’t just think of battling against cancer. Also think of battling with cancer." This means think of cancer as a tool that helps you rid yourself of other issues, like pride, or forgetting to be grateful.
3)"We waste our cancer if we refuse to think about death." YES! I like to ruminate on death, turn it over in my mind, try to understand it as much as possible, just like any other concept, because it is inevitable. It is just a joy to find someone who seems to think the same.
I read this book from the free PDF version of it that he has on his website - DesiringGod.org
I came across it while perusing the site after reading another of his books about illness - LESSONS FROM A HOSPITAL BED.
January 15, 2023
Possible cancer and this book been God send
I possibly might have cancer and reflecting on things. And getting confirmation a few times yesterday and end of night I found this book online and read it. And there was a part in it that confirmed what has been shown to me. And today downloading the book to my kindle a burst of sunshine came out behind a grey cloud (been having rain) and it lit up exactly where I was standing. Bright beautiful sun light. I don't know what my future holds regarding the cancer but I know regardless of my outcome am going to be just fine. Everything will be taken care of because God is a gracious God and this has been life changing and my journey will continue. And do recommend this book to those who need this. 💗
I possibly might have cancer and reflecting on things. And getting confirmation a few times yesterday and end of night I found this book online and read it. And there was a part in it that confirmed what has been shown to me. And today downloading the book to my kindle a burst of sunshine came out behind a grey cloud (been having rain) and it lit up exactly where I was standing. Bright beautiful sun light. I don't know what my future holds regarding the cancer but I know regardless of my outcome am going to be just fine. Everything will be taken care of because God is a gracious God and this has been life changing and my journey will continue. And do recommend this book to those who need this. 💗
July 7, 2022
This little booklet lays out a true, big, eternal vision for earthly suffering, though an incomplete one. I expected Piper to break and speak more specifically to the pain, loss, disappointment, and sorrow that comes hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis but it never happened. While he spoke to the hope the Christian can and should experience in their grief, the grief itself seemed more like a footnote than a full, ever-present reality of suffering. Of course this is a booklet, a mere sixteen pages. It could never be an all-in-one resource, but I still would have liked to see lament offered as a key component of "not wasting" one's cancer, and not (as I'm afraid some readers might conclude from its absence) a failure to glorify the Lord.
April 24, 2018
Short, biblical, and to the point
Good biblical wisdom in God's purpose with cancer. That statement alone has become controversial in our modern evangelical world. Is cancer from God or the devil? What purpose could God have with cancer? John Piper directs the individual to truth found in God's word.
Good biblical wisdom in God's purpose with cancer. That statement alone has become controversial in our modern evangelical world. Is cancer from God or the devil? What purpose could God have with cancer? John Piper directs the individual to truth found in God's word.
July 15, 2021
What a great book! I am blessed to have read it. I am purchasing a stack of these short little books to have available for members at my church. Highly recommended
Only drawback on this little booklet is that the font is super small so some of my members might have a hard time reading it. But a great resource
Only drawback on this little booklet is that the font is super small so some of my members might have a hard time reading it. But a great resource
November 15, 2017
Reflection of God in All
In the midst of prostrate cancer I have felt the presence of God and the prayers of so many. Just having surgery I thank God for His faithfulness. Let me not waste my cancer
In the midst of prostrate cancer I have felt the presence of God and the prayers of so many. Just having surgery I thank God for His faithfulness. Let me not waste my cancer
May 6, 2020
Living with the invader cancer
God brought this to my best friend and me this morning...the morning of the day we received the disappointing test results of his post-radiation PET Scan. It added another perspective to our’s on how to accept cancer.
God brought this to my best friend and me this morning...the morning of the day we received the disappointing test results of his post-radiation PET Scan. It added another perspective to our’s on how to accept cancer.
May 31, 2020
Uplifting
I am just beginning my journey with prostate cancer. It has been a double whammy because it was discovered at about the same time as the COVID-19 virus arrived. I am encouraged by this little pamphlet. I will be rereading it, time and time again.
I am just beginning my journey with prostate cancer. It has been a double whammy because it was discovered at about the same time as the COVID-19 virus arrived. I am encouraged by this little pamphlet. I will be rereading it, time and time again.
April 8, 2022
This book is the answer to my prayer about how you deal with cancer with a divine perspective. It helped me to see the cancer and all the life complications involved with faith and gratitude.
He knows, He cares and He rules. Glory be to Him.
He knows, He cares and He rules. Glory be to Him.
June 28, 2023
Cancer can point to Christ
These are the type of books to make you pause and realize how some things people think have only brought evil could still reveal more of God’s glory and change lives.
These are the type of books to make you pause and realize how some things people think have only brought evil could still reveal more of God’s glory and change lives.
April 4, 2024
I would give David Powlison's booklet When Cancer Interrupts before giving someone Piper's booklet. I think the former helps sympathize with the suffer, and then Piper is helpful once the initial shock of the diagnosis has been processed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews