“This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away!”
~ Shirley Ceasar
After two major surgeries in three months, I was laid off from my job the same day my physician released me from his care.
Still reeling from the emotional toll of the two surgeries, I now had to deal with being unemployed during one of the worse financial crisis since the great depression.
However, I was confident the Lord was with me. I knew my steps were being ordered by God.
With any major surgery, complications are a possibility. But, I was alive; I was healthy and quite rested. The job lay off could have come before Christmas. But, it occurred in January after the New Year. I could have been traveling this journey all alone. However, God has blessed me with a loving and supportive wife of 25 years, two wonderful children, and a network of family and friends that sustain me each and every day.
The heart of the matter is this, no matter how bad things look, we should always look for God in our lives. We must always remember, our challenges are not solely about us. Our challenges give us experiences we can share with others at a later date.
Our testimonies give others strength, life, and vitality!
When recalling my greatest challenges, instantly I remember how God has always been there for me. These memories are truly humbling, yet inspiring.
Honestly, there have been times of weakness, moments of despair, feelings of rejection, and sometimes even tears, but I always remember how good God has been to me and how my feelings have nothing to do with my faith!
Our faith is developed over time. So every challenge, every disappointment, every hurt, every pain, and every loss, are just opportunities for God to strengthen our faith.
One thing I know unequivocally, God loves me more than I can ever imagine. God only wants the best for me, and He consistently moves heaven and earth to meet my needs.
However, I must obey God, and believe in His Promises.
God has promised me:
- Health, 3 John 1:2
- Strength, Psalm 18:2
- Life, John 3:15
- Prosperity, Psalm 1:3
- A good mate, Proverbs 18:22
- Obedient children, Proverbs 10:1
- Joy unspeakable, Psalm 30:5
- Salvation, Isaiah 12:2
- Protection, Psalm 91:2
- A great job, Ecclesiastes 3:22
- A successful business , John 1:2
- More than I can ever hope or imagine, 1 Corinthians 2:9
Finally, words cannot express how much I truly love God. He has done so much for me. He has always been there for me. And He has promised never to leave me.
And I believe Him!
