I spoke with a woman who had not only been injured in an automobile accident, but was also battling breast cancer.

This woman had every reason in the world to be the “victim”, but instead she chose to embrace the challenges of her life. She was on her way to get her son from daycare, when another vehicle turned left directly in front of her, causing severe damage to her vehicle.

It’s natural to be upset over such a disruption in her day and her life, but she did not complain. On the contrary, she was surprisingly calm, having a quiet confidence as if she knew everything would be ok. And while she was grateful to me for helping her on behalf of my company, she didn’t realize that it was not me helping her. She was helping me.

How often do we allow ourselves to get upset over disruptions in our lives, having despised the inconveniences, whether big or small, of life rather than embracing them as the blessings that may be?

When tempted to complain about my circumstances, I try to remember…. While things could be better, they could certainly be worse. This woman, had every reason to complain. But she chose peace, a peace that only God can provide in the midst of adverse circumstances.

Life is indiscriminate. It has no respect of person, status, or prestige. We cannot always choose what happens to us. But we can choose how we respond. This woman chose to look beyond her circumstances. And her decision to walk in peace ministered to me more than she will ever know.

Her heart is resting….
And so is mine

He calms the storm, so that its waves are still

Knowing that God is in control allows me to face every obstacle with the peace and the confidence that I can and will overcome!

There are positives in every event or circumstance….we just need to open our eyes and see it. It’s all about perspective.

My son picked me up from work today, and as he and the kids sat outside waiting for my work day to end, he kept turning the truck on and off to keep the music playing, which eventually drained my battery. Unaware and anxious to get home, I walked out to a car with a dead battery!

I was furious and I wanted to yell all sorts of expletives!

I called roadside and of course they took forever and a day to get to me. And all I could think at the time was “why me”?? Of all the days, why today?? I was tired, not feeling well, and ready to get home, but I was stuck and unjustly inconvenienced.

When I made it home and had time to reflect on the situation, I thought “why not me?”. Could it be that God was trying to save me from something by delaying my commute?

Funny how when our lives are suddenly disrupted, we have the audacity to get upset as if we are immune to life’s setbacks? Life does not discriminate. Things will happen whether we like it or not and it is often beyond our control. We can get upset, rant and rave, or we can take a deep breath and thank God for the moment because one thing that IS within our control is how we respond.

When things go wrong in your life, instead of thinking the world or life is against you, think about what God could be saving you from. It’s all about perspective.

Almost everything that God requires out of us will be challenging and will require us to stretch ourselves beyond our capabilities and our comfort zone. When faced with a decision or task, you can most certainly bet, the right thing to do will likely be the most difficult. Choosing to follow the plan and direction of God is a sign of spiritual maturity.

Today I am grateful to enter into my 35th year although the enemy would have had it another way. At 3 days old, he tried to take me out with a life-threatening disease called spinal meningitis. If I were to live, which was highly unlikely, I would be leading a completely different life than the one I know today. I would be severely mentally and physically handicapped, unable to think for myself or care for my self. But what the enemy meant for evil, God turned it around for my good. It took something drastic, but my sickness and subsequent recovery was nothing short of miraculous and it led my parents back to Christ.

In these 35 years of my life, I’ve experienced the greatest joys and the gravest sorrows. But most of all, I’ve experienced the healing power of God, His unfailing love, and His amazing ability to make the crooked places in my life straight. I’ve witnessed His power to heal, mend, and restore my brokeness. I’ve come to know Him, to truly know Him through the ups and downs of life. The setbacks and disappointments could have broken many, but God’s strength kept me planted. His direction guided me when I went astray. His love covered me when I was completely exposed.

Today, I am thankful. I am thankful for my Genesis, my humble beginnings. Without it, I may not have had parents that served The Lord as completely as they did. I am thankful for the enemy’s plot against my life. Without it, God would not have shown Himself strong on my behalf and, I would not be reminded each and every day that I have a purpose in this thing called life.

I am reminded daily that the enemy’s attempts on the lives of believers is futile. His greatest effort is unmatched by God’s amazing power. God’s ability and willingness to rebuild a life that was drastically torn apart, His willingness to truly give you double for your trouble has become a reality in my life. Despite my setbacks and disappointments, God has blessed me with an amazing husband that loves me without condition. Just when I think he has exceeded my expectations, he has this funny way of doing it again and again. He is my Godsend…my double for my trouble, my promise that God personally fulfilled for me and only me. And I will be forever grateful for this wonderful man that God and only God has blessed me with.

Despite my trials and a period of time raising my children on my own, I have amazing kids. When I look at the world around me, I am not only thankful that they are still here with me, but also thankful that they love the Lord and have a heart to serve Him.

As I live out the remaining years of my life, I will continue to remember that when God is for me, NOTHING can stand against me and succeed. Even in my darkest moments, God will triumph over my enemies…

All glory and honor belongs to Him…
My Heart is Resting

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

Absolutely everything we do, our supreme motivation, flows from our hearts, which is why it is paramount to guard it….protect that which is sacred. You have control over the things you allow in your heart, whether good or evil. You have the power to let go, swallow your pride, and forgive.