Don't Let Your Storm Go to Waste

In the movie Forrest Gump, you may remember that famous quote Mama always said, "life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get". This is so true because each day can be different, one day things are going great. Then another day you may have a problem or worry, but you're okay. And then comes the STORM. To me, a storm is the big unexpected trial or situation that tests your faith, humbles you, makes you stronger and brings you to your knees in sincere prayer. While going through this storm, you will make a choice to be mad and bitter or choose to accept God's plan and purpose for your life.

My storm has been breast cancer. I was diagnosed in January 2013, had a lumpectomy in February, and had my port put in and started chemo treatments in March and finished them at the end of August. I began radiation in October and finished at the end of November. There were good days and some tough days, but God was always with me. I have a great support group of family, friends and a wonderful church family. I have learned that your life can forever change in just one day.

I know that God has a purpose for me to help and encourage others. He has already given me the opportunity to talk about him with many people at the Cancer Center while I was going through treatments and also in other situations. I have been able to talk about His love and how He has given me peace, joy and overwhelming love. And He can do the same for you.

God has continued to work. In my bedroom I have a small tree with white lights and an angel that lights up and during my treatments and on my tough days I would turn them on and this would give me comfort. God put it on my heart this year in January to make a list of names of my family, friends, co-workers and church family. Every day, I draw names and place on my tree and pray for them. I call this my comfort tree. God knows who is in need that day. I have had so many people tell me that the prayer was just what they needed that day.

I'm so glad that God is in control and He directs our path, if we are willing to obey and get out of our comfort zone. I have to admit this is not always easy but remember, where God guides, he provides.

I have a love for music and love to sing about God and all that He can do. Music can give you peace, joy and comfort. It can help to heal your broken heart and spirit. During my chemo, there were many songs that helped me. "This Storm" by McMillan & Life is just one of the songs that gave me comfort and peace. I actually got to sing this at my church during my treatments. You may be going thru a storm and feel that things are hopeless and you don't know what to do. But remember, God knows even when we don't understand. He has a plan and purpose for your life, so just trust Him.

My purpose for writing about my storm is to encourage and help others who may be going thru that big storm in their life. My prayer is that if you know God, you will choose to trust and obey His will. If you do not know God, that you will realize that He is your answer and assurance for eternal life. God never said life would always be easy, but He did say that he would never leave us. Trust him today because he is our only hope. May God bless you

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".
                                                      Philippians 4:19

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
                                                       II Timothy 1:7


Paula Hendrick, Guest Blogger