August 30 I celebrate 11 years since I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. While it comes with lots of emotions, I am thankful, grateful and blessed! My biggest lesson learned was to thank God for the hard times that make us grow. Do I want to go through it again? No! But I do know God wastes nothing! I also believe, "your condition is not your conclusion.”
I am thankful for the time I spent with God during the year of my journey. When I was too tired to talk, I could talk to Him. When no one could make things better, He could. When I wanted to give up He would give me what I needed. He taught me a whole lot of trust in that year!
Isaiah 58: 11, "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
I am grateful for the gift of life and do not take it for granted. I do not think you can appreciate life until you think you may lose it! You are reminded to live each day to the fullest, laugh a lot and don't sweat the small stuff! I was reminded of joy being the all knowing that God was in control, not my circumstances. I was going to be ok no matter what. Philippians 4: 4-7, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
While hindsight is 20/20 I am blessed by the ways God used that bump in the road. In life's darkest hours, God was working behind the scenes to turn tests into testimonies. God restores in greater quantity and quality! He brings restoration and gives us double for our trouble! Isaiah 61: 7, "Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours." God gives us a double portion blessing for the troubles we go through. "While the enemy is messing, God is always blessing." Whatever you are going through do not give in to despair. That is where the enemy wants you. Keep praising God and that will bless you with hope and peace that only He can give!
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love!"
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