Bible Gateway Blog

The 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, 90, recently announced that he has cancer and that it’s spread to his brain. Before, during, and after his 1977-’81 presidency, he has spoken of, written about, and demonstrated his fervent personal Christian faith, which is rooted in his ongoing devotion to reading and teaching the Bible. Speaking about his condition, he said: “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes. I do have a deep religious faith, which I’m very grateful for.”

Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (CEB)

At the August 20 press conference Mr. Carter convened to announce his diagnosis, he said his future “is in the hands of the God who I worship.” Conservative commentator and fellow Christian Cal Thomas observed in his column, “What struck me was not only Carter’s humility and gratitude for the opportunities and privileges he has enjoyed, but the inner peace he exuded. Evangelical Christians like Carter understand this from a Bible verse that says, ‘And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’” (Philippians 4:7).

Thomas went on to refer to Wesley Pipperts’ book, The Spiritual Journey of Jimmy Carter in His Own Words: “While teaching the Sunday school class on January 29, 1978, Pippert quoted Carter as saying: You can’t say, ‘Tomorrow, I’m going to have inner peace in my heart…’ It slips away from us. It’s not something guaranteed to each of us. If we subjugate our lives to God, if we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, if our life is consistent with the purpose or example of Christ … in our relationship with God, and others, then we will have inner peace… That statement, more than the optimism of doctors who are treating him, reflects the source of Carter’s contentment, which many in the media still do not understand.”

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
Psalm 39:7 (ESV)

Commentator Maureen Fiedler said of Mr. Carter’s announcement: “He reflected on his life, expressed gratitude for the many opportunities he has been given, and then noted that no one lives forever. And he said it all—even the thought of his own death—with a smile.”

One facet of Mr. Carter’s outworking of his Christian faith was the establishment of The Carter Center (@CarterCenter). He’s said that, if given the choice between re-election as president and establishing the Carter Center, he’d choose the latter, which “seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.”

“I thought I had a few weeks left, but I felt surprisingly at ease. I’ve had a wonderful life,” Mr. Carter calmly said of his reaction to the initial diagnosis. “I’m ready for anything and looking forward to a new adventure.” As his health allows, he continues to teach Bible lessons in Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church, Plains, GA.

Update 12/6/2015 The New York Times: Former President Jimmy Carter Says He Is Free of Cancer

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)