Since the end of 2007, I have experienced one health problem after another. I won’t go into all those here. But suffice it to say that the woman always described by her employers as Super Woman is currently more akin to Droopy Dog. Just when I thought one problem was resolved, another thing would crop up. I know many of the people close to me thought I was a hypochondriac . . . but that’s their deal—not mine. I believe in the power of prayer and that when you’re going through some hard times, you need to rally the prayer warriors. I am blessed to have a huge extended family that is strong in their faith. When I ask my siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins to pray for me, I know they will. I am also blessed with a lot of friends who are believers, and I have some close ones who will pray when I ask (and probably many who pray when I don’t). As I was de-cluttering my email recently, I found one of the prayer requests I sent out a few months before I was diagnosed with my most recent health issue—a diseased gall bladder (which, thankfully, has been removed). I am doing much better physically, and all those prayers to the Healer of all Healers were heard.
The content of the email speaks for itself, but it is apparent that God was—and still is—working in my life and speaking to me through so many of the people who are faithful to pray for me and with me.
The content of the email speaks for itself, but it is apparent that God was—and still is—working in my life and speaking to me through so many of the people who are faithful to pray for me and with me.
September 17, 2009
Hi all! I put a post on Facebook asking for prayer warriors, and I am overwhelmed by the response. Just after I emailed some of you to pray yesterday, I got my daily devotional from my friend Laura, and I knew it was a God thing . . .
September 15, 2009: Beloved, your difficult circumstances can either be a stepping stone to the
manifestation of My grace and glory, or they will be a tombstone that represents the death of hope.
Right now, today, choose life and see the working out of My strength being made perfect in your weak-
ness. This is certainly no time to retreat or give up; it is a time to re-fire and move forward with
renewed faith. Rise up and refuse to allow the enemy to use your current situation to neutralize you,
says the Lord. II Corinthians 12:9 ~ And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power
of Christ may rest upon me.
Could God have sent more suitable words of encouragement at that exact time? The prayer warriors are out in full force to do battle against Satan and to encourage me. I have been especially encouraged today by notes from some of you—especially this one from my big brother, Vic, who was 16 years old when I came along. I was so overwhelmed (and proud) that I posted it on Facebook, but in case you didn't see it there, I've included it here. I sure am blessed to have three big brothers who love me, but more importantly, love the Lord.
Been thinking of you a lot the past few days and praying for you, too. Heard this song this morning and
thought of you. It made me think of the first time I ever held you in my arms--it was awesome!
Of course, I cried like crazy--and so did Rusty. I love you, Vic—I don't think anybody has ever made me feel so special! That was truly one of the best presents I have ever been given!
Finally, I made friends with a young man through my farming on Facebook. I know, I know . . . some of you think that's so silly, but it is a fun game and I have seen a lot of Christian witness take place when one friend works on another's farm. Stephen is from Alabama and when he found out I was from SC, he told me he was coming to Greenville soon for Centrifuge. At any rate, that conversation turned into an agreement to be prayer partners. Stephen later sent me his testimony and I hope he doesn't mind my sharing some of it . . .
Stephen has cerebral palsy and when he was very young, his parents were told that he would never walk. He proved the doctors wrong. His parents were told that he would not be able to do many things, but he is quite accomplished --his spiritual gift is encouragement and he shares it freely. Stephen works in a school and I have every confidence in saying that he is a bright light to the students there.
I hear from Stephen every day—usually, he tells me he has prayed for me. Sometimes, he emails me a prayer. Other days, he sends me a scripture reference. Today, Stephen caught up with me and said he had a song for me. I've included it here along with a scripture passage he shared.
John 9:1-3 ~ Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him
saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man
nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."
I don't think I ever told Stephen this, but when my physical battle started at the end of 2005, I was told by a minister that I should consider that my health problems were due to some unresolved sin in my life. I told him I had considered the possibility, but I confess my sins and know for sure that once they are confessed, they are no more. Still, this minister continued to persist in talking over this theory with me for many months. I am so glad Stephen saw fit to remind me that God will be glorified in every situation with those who love Him.
I wanted to let you all know that I am encouraged and I continue to ask that you lift me up in prayer whenever I come to mind. I hope that some of what I've written here encourages you, too. God is good! And more importantly, He is in control!
Hi all! I put a post on Facebook asking for prayer warriors, and I am overwhelmed by the response. Just after I emailed some of you to pray yesterday, I got my daily devotional from my friend Laura, and I knew it was a God thing . . .
September 15, 2009: Beloved, your difficult circumstances can either be a stepping stone to the
manifestation of My grace and glory, or they will be a tombstone that represents the death of hope.
Right now, today, choose life and see the working out of My strength being made perfect in your weak-
ness. This is certainly no time to retreat or give up; it is a time to re-fire and move forward with
renewed faith. Rise up and refuse to allow the enemy to use your current situation to neutralize you,
says the Lord. II Corinthians 12:9 ~ And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power
of Christ may rest upon me.
Could God have sent more suitable words of encouragement at that exact time? The prayer warriors are out in full force to do battle against Satan and to encourage me. I have been especially encouraged today by notes from some of you—especially this one from my big brother, Vic, who was 16 years old when I came along. I was so overwhelmed (and proud) that I posted it on Facebook, but in case you didn't see it there, I've included it here. I sure am blessed to have three big brothers who love me, but more importantly, love the Lord.
Been thinking of you a lot the past few days and praying for you, too. Heard this song this morning and
thought of you. It made me think of the first time I ever held you in my arms--it was awesome!
Of course, I cried like crazy--and so did Rusty. I love you, Vic—I don't think anybody has ever made me feel so special! That was truly one of the best presents I have ever been given!
Finally, I made friends with a young man through my farming on Facebook. I know, I know . . . some of you think that's so silly, but it is a fun game and I have seen a lot of Christian witness take place when one friend works on another's farm. Stephen is from Alabama and when he found out I was from SC, he told me he was coming to Greenville soon for Centrifuge. At any rate, that conversation turned into an agreement to be prayer partners. Stephen later sent me his testimony and I hope he doesn't mind my sharing some of it . . .
Stephen has cerebral palsy and when he was very young, his parents were told that he would never walk. He proved the doctors wrong. His parents were told that he would not be able to do many things, but he is quite accomplished --his spiritual gift is encouragement and he shares it freely. Stephen works in a school and I have every confidence in saying that he is a bright light to the students there.
I hear from Stephen every day—usually, he tells me he has prayed for me. Sometimes, he emails me a prayer. Other days, he sends me a scripture reference. Today, Stephen caught up with me and said he had a song for me. I've included it here along with a scripture passage he shared.
John 9:1-3 ~ Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him
saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man
nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."
I don't think I ever told Stephen this, but when my physical battle started at the end of 2005, I was told by a minister that I should consider that my health problems were due to some unresolved sin in my life. I told him I had considered the possibility, but I confess my sins and know for sure that once they are confessed, they are no more. Still, this minister continued to persist in talking over this theory with me for many months. I am so glad Stephen saw fit to remind me that God will be glorified in every situation with those who love Him.
I wanted to let you all know that I am encouraged and I continue to ask that you lift me up in prayer whenever I come to mind. I hope that some of what I've written here encourages you, too. God is good! And more importantly, He is in control!
I am not sure that I will ever be Super Woman again—or that I even want to be. But I am certain that I want to be the woman God created me to be. And I know that I can accomplish that through prayer and Bible study--and the encouragement of friends and family.