Tim Keller Reveals His "Greatest Fear" During Cancer Treatment

Co-founder of the Gospel Coalition, author, and retired pastor Tim Keller opens up about his greatest fear during his cancer treament. Keller has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. In an interview on Tuesday with pastor Nicky Gumbel of HTB Church, Keller shares about his hopes and fears.
"Now God has just decided well, we're going to reverse the roles here and you're both going to have to get used to what it means to trust me in this new role," Keller says, sharing that in their marriage he has typically been "the strong one" as he's cared for his wife Kathy, who has Crohn's Disease.
"My fear isn't dying. My fear is actually leaving her behind and that's her biggest fear as well. It's a terrible fear," Keller says.
However, Keller says, despite that very real fear, he and Kathy "never want to go back spiritually to where we were before the cancer diagnosis. We never want to go back to that because in spite of all the things I've already preached, I wasn't a hypocrite exactly but the reality is that most of us say we need to depend on God but we actually think we've got it sorted."
He says the diagnosis has helped them come to new terms with the reality of God's presence and control over their lives.
That reality has given him a new appreciation for things in life, and has brought him joy. "I'm actually happier than I've ever been on a given day. I enjoy the things around me in a way that I've never enjoyed them before - I see them as gifts of God - and I enjoy my prayer life more than I ever have in my life."
Tags : tim keller tim keller cancer Tim Keller greatest fear cancer treatment tim keller news
Hot Trends
-
"Zach Williams Revival Nights" Fall 2025 Tour Features We The Kingdom, Ben Fuller, and Leanna Crawford
-
Here Are Lyrics to Tauren Wells' "Making Room"
-
Grace Gonzalez Reminds Us of God's Presence with "Sing Over Me"
-
G.L.O Makes Waves with "He Lives In Me"
-
Julie Elias Anchors "Love Remains" in Heb. 6:19
-
New DocFilm "Show Me Your Glory" Explores the Intersection of Miracles and Suffering
-
Arielle Nichole Releases "Brand New" to Christian Radio
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
"The Mosaic Church" Explores One of the Greatest Archaeological Finds of the 21st Century - the Megiddo Mosaic
-
Here Are Lyrics to Keith and Kristyn Getty's "How Great Is the Greatness of God"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Steffany Gretzinger's "Holy"
-
Derek Webb, Former Caedmon's Call Guitarist and Vocalist, Attends the Dove Awards in a Dress
-
Pre-Order Logan Smith's New EP "Something to Believe" Now
-
Bill and Gloria Gaither Gather 200 Friends for "Sweet Hymns of Fellowship"
Most Popular
-
"Zach Williams Revival Nights" Fall 2025 Tour Features We The Kingdom, Ben Fuller, and Leanna Crawford
-
Here Are Lyrics to Tauren Wells' "Making Room"
-
Grace Gonzalez Reminds Us of God's Presence with "Sing Over Me"
-
G.L.O Makes Waves with "He Lives In Me"
-
Julie Elias Anchors "Love Remains" in Heb. 6:19
-
New DocFilm "Show Me Your Glory" Explores the Intersection of Miracles and Suffering
-
Arielle Nichole Releases "Brand New" to Christian Radio
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
"The Mosaic Church" Explores One of the Greatest Archaeological Finds of the 21st Century - the Megiddo Mosaic
-
Here Are Lyrics to Keith and Kristyn Getty's "How Great Is the Greatness of God"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Steffany Gretzinger's "Holy"
-
Derek Webb, Former Caedmon's Call Guitarist and Vocalist, Attends the Dove Awards in a Dress
-
Pre-Order Logan Smith's New EP "Something to Believe" Now
-
Bill and Gloria Gaither Gather 200 Friends for "Sweet Hymns of Fellowship"