“Spreading the Joy”
It always amazes me how God will put people in our path so we can give them an encouraging word, a smile, open a door, or lift them up in prayer, that is if we choose to listen and obey His leading.
This has been happening a lot to me. God has crossed my path with a number of women who have been though treatment and are still fearful, women who are currently in treatment, some who have just been diagnosed and unsure of their future, and some who are waiting for test results. In all cases, God has allowed me to share His joy, to encourage them, giving them the hope of Christ.
I have been blessed by so many wonderful friends who have offered help in many ways, bring meals over after a treatment, sending cards, fruit baskets, and gift cards, and knitting me a beautiful pink scarf, thank you Shirley! I am so overwhelmed and thankful for all your encouragement and prayers! I thank you all! Thank you Jesus for beautiful friends, bless them Lord!
I have felt so protected, and shielded, like I’m under the shadow of God’s loving arms. I had no idea My dear friend Lisa, who is a mighty prayer warrior, was praying for me during one of my chemo treatments and felt like the Lord impressed upon her to pray especially for me to abide under the shadow of his protection, and in the shadow of His love; also that God would cover me in His shadow just like a shield of protection! God is so good and faithful! He knows just what we need and when we need it.
So many people have spoken words of encouragement and scripture in my life. A dear friend wrote a verse in a card that was from Habakkuk 3:18-19. My husband was at a conference and a man he had just met had the same scripture for me. It says, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to go on to new heights.”
My wonderful amazing husband has been a huge help to me though all of this, and needed a much deserved day off, so he went skiing last Monday and unfortunately broke his collarbone. Needless to say he is out of commission for at least four weeks. His arm/shoulder is in a sling and has to be completely immobile. I thank God for his strength in me for the time being carry us both. A funny thing he said was, “Ohhh, more Joy!”
I thank you Lord for giving me the strength to share Your Joy with others, and to go on to new heights. Help me to stay so close to You that I will sense Your presence in all things! Amen.
