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Thank God for Trials

… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

[1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV]

Jerome T. writes:

Trials are common occurrences, and God’s children are not exempt. Psalms 34:19 tells us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

There are many times when I cannot change my circumstances, but I have learned two things: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1), and I do have a choice about how I respond.

I can become depressed and angry; I can blame God. There have been many times when I have asked: “God, why is this happening to me; don’t You know I deserve better?”

God got my attention when I was faced with a series of trials, starting with my wife being diagnosed with breast cancer.

I realized my bad attitude was consuming me like cancer was consuming her. I had head knowledge of some Scriptures dealing with trials, but they had not become a heart experience.

After each trial, I could look back and see how it had been a blessing in disguise. All things really had worked together for my good, as stated in Romans 8:28. I was ashamed to keep asking God to forgive me for my initial responses, which were never according to Scripture.

Over a period of months, my loving heavenly Father patiently performed “surgery” on me, removing the cancer in my heart. My bad attitude slowly turned into gratitude as I came to a better understanding of these verses.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears (Psalms 34:4).

I can now thank God for cancer!

I’ve actually written a book, THANK GOD FOR CANCER!, in which I share how God used the Bible and trials to transform my life and marriage.

Story posted on Monday, March 31st, 2008 and is filed under Bible, Hope, Cancer, Praise, Your Stories, Verses. | 2 Comments »

I Refuse Sickness and Disease

And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt which you knew will He put upon you, but will lay them upon all who hate you.

[Deuteronomy 7:15 Amplified Bible]

Margaret R. writes:

Though physical ailments may attempt to penetrate my body, the numerous promises in God’s Word proclaim that I do not have to receive the doctor’s report since the Lord, at Calvary, took my sickness and carried my diseases.

In January 2002, a standard mammography revealed a suspicious lump. Though the doctors discussed the possibility of cancer, I clung to the aforementioned scripture with the knowledge that I would never know the evil diseases of Egypt.

Whenever fear would arise, I would speak the Word aloud, and remind the Lord of His promises. Ultimately, a biopsy revealed the lump as completely benign.

Other attacks have come since that time, but as always, I have steadfastly adhered to God’s Word. He is faithful - completely so - and desires for His people to believe Him - literally and without hesitation. That I have done and will do for the rest of my life.

Story posted on Monday, January 21st, 2008 and is filed under Hope, Bible, Cancer, Praise, Your Stories. | 2 Comments »

Sean Smith: Cancer God’s Plan? (3:28)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

[Romans 8:28 NIV]

Sean Smith shares about losing his mom to cancer. While he believes in Romans 8:28, he questions whether his mom’s death was part of God’s plan. A good encouragement for anyone dealing with terminal illness.

Story posted on Friday, December 21st, 2007 and is filed under Sean Smith, Cancer, Video Stories, Christian Families, God's Sovereignty. | 2 Comments »

Sean Smith: Experience with Cancer (4:56)

Sean Smith shares about his experience losing his mom to cancer. He talks about Acts 7:54 (Stephen looking up to Heaven) and the similar experience he believes his mom had moments before she passed away.

Story posted on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 and is filed under Sean Smith, Bible, Cancer, Video Stories, Christian Families. | 1 Comment »

My Fear Melted Away

He [Jesus] replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

[Matthew 17:20 NIV]

Phyllis G. writes:

About ten years ago, my doctor told me I had cancer and needed surgery.

I was totally unprepared for this diagnosis. I tend to be a bit melodramatic. I was sure I would die in surgery or soon after. I even called the funeral home and told them not to embalm me because the Lord might raise me up. Every time I thought of my children and grandchildren and how sad they would if I didn’t survive, I wept uncontrollably.

Worse than those thoughts was the paralyzing fear that gripped me.

That Christmas, before my surgery, I couldn’t remember for whom I had bought Christmas gifts. As a result some in the family received two gifts and others received none. The fear immobilized me. All of the marvelous scriptures that I quoted to others to give hope were not helping me.

Then one night as I prayed, a voice within me spoke to me and said, “Your fear is not of the Lord.” Well if it was not of the Lord, then it had to be the enemy attacking me with a spirit of fear.

With this revelation came the scripture, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move” (Matthew 17:20). As I continued in prayer I felt faith rise up in me such as I had never felt before.

I could see that fear was a mountain whose shadow fell on my whole life at this crucial time. It blocked out even the faith I desperately needed. In The subsequent days I grew stronger and stronger in my faith so that by the time I had surgery the fear was gone.

Even though I indeed had cancer, I am alive ten years later to tell my story. I truly believe what the Bible says, “Faith can move mountains.”

Praise be to God!

Story posted on Wednesday, October 24th, 2007 and is filed under Cancer, Praise, Your Stories. | 2 Comments »

Fighting Cancer: Claiming God’s Promises

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

[2 Cor 2:14 NIV]

Scott writes:

I just found out my wife has breast cancer. I’m honestly not sure where this road will lead us but I thank God that He does.

It’s difficult for me to describe the flood of thoughts/emotions I’ve experienced over the last couple of days other than to say they range from fully trusting in God’s sovereignty to fear that I might lose my wife.

The day we learned about the cancer, I was doing my morning devotional and by chance (wanna bet) stumbled onto 2 Cor 2:14 and 2 Cor 10:3-5. When verses like these pop out of the page, I usually write them down on a 3×5 card and carry it around. Later that day when we found out the diagnosis, I pulled out the card and claimed each verse on behalf of my wife and 4 year old daughter.

Continue Reading »

Story posted on Thursday, June 7th, 2007 and is filed under Cancer, Your Stories, Prayer, God's Sovereignty. | 5 Comments »

God’s faithfulness during crisis

For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water,Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

[Psalm 66:10-12 NASB]

Becky writes:

Due to the difficulties I’ve faced (some of my own making and some not) I have been “refined as silver is refined”.

I have gone through such trials as cancer by age 21, an unfaithful husband, the death of two children and the great challenge of being married to an alcoholic who doesn’t yet know Christ… but God is so faithful! No matter what crisis has arisen in my life, God has given me His Word to encourage and strengthen me. Continue Reading »

Story posted on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 and is filed under Cancer, Praise, Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, Struggles. | 6 Comments »