Have you ever prayed for God to speak to you and been lead to a certain passage of scripture or had a verse pop into mind? Throughout my mother’s journey with pancreatic cancer, God has encouraged me in many ways. One of the most profound ways is through His word. The two verses I have clinged to throughout this hardship are 1 Timothy 1:7 and Isaiah 57:18-19.

First Timothy 1:7 says, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Many times, Satan has tried to use doubt and fear to steal my joy and hope as I care for my mother, but the word of God constantly reminds me that as a child of God, I have no reason to fear or to doubt. The giver and sustainer of life is the One who holds both my mother and me, and He promises to provide all we need as we trust in Him. When fear begins to surface, I can see it for what it truly is…. Lies that Satan would have me believe. Instead, I choose to look to God and be filled with His power and love.

When my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the doctors gave her very little hope of any successful treatment options. Chemotherapy and radiation were only offered to possibly prolong her life, with little to no hope of a cure. Neither my mother or father felt that the normal treatment options were what they were being led to do, and instead, we went to see a holistic doctor for an alternative treatment plan. For the first time following her diagnosis, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and hope as we sat in his office. He started my mother on a plan consisting of drinking many fresh juices a day and taking natural supplements to support her body and help restore her immune system.

We are currently passing our 5 month mark, and my mother’s body has made incredible progress. She still deals with fatigue, pain, and nausea at times, however, her tests show that her body is fighting hard to correct any imbalances, rid of her cancer, and restore her health. Some days are harder than others, and recently during a time I was struggling, I ask God to give me a verse of encouragement. He led me to Isaiah 57:18-19. I had never read these verses before, and as I read them for the first time, I ask God to let me claim them as my own and to trust that His word would come to pass. Isaiah 57:18-19 says, I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.

God speaks to each of us in His own way. The verses that He has given to me have encouraged me over and over again. Every day, He provides all that we need to fight the battle we’re facing. Pancreatic cancer is an enormous mountain to climb, however, to move any mountain, all we need is a little faith….a little faith in an all-powerful God.

No matter what you’re facing, look to the Lord. He is faithful, and He is good…..all the time!

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The breeze rustling through the trees, warm sunshine on my face, cool refreshing water, and fresh fruit…These are just a few of my favorite things about summertime. After the dreariness, cold, and blah of winter, there is nothing better than seeing the signs that it’s coming to a close and soon to be replaced by a warmer season.

Just as the earth goes through the changes of seasons, our lives are marked by new beginnings or times of loss. We experience times filled with joy, and we face times that feel just as cold and hopeless as winter. Just as the seasons are certain to keep flowing, our lives are also bound to be filled with change. Sometimes, the changes offer long-awaited relief or joy, and sometimes, the changes bring new challenges or times of immense grief.

Every season has a purpose designed by the Creator.

God has a plan for every change in our lives. For our joys and for our sorrows.

He has a reason for everything we face and every burden we carry.

I once heard a saying that went something like, “We can only see part of the picture, but God sees our life in its entirety.” We may not always know the reason, and we may not always understand the why, but we can be sure that God does. We can be sure of His goodness and His love. And we can know, without a doubt, He does all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). We may not understand His purpose this side of heaven, but we can be sure His word is true.

My mother is currently fighting a battle with cancer. Immediately following her diagnosis, I was filled with hopelessness and fear. However, through this journey, God has strengthened my faith, drawn me closer to Him, and He is teaching me how to be thankful in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I long for relief for my mother’s struggle, and for this season of life to be changed and be produced into something of great beauty and worth. I know this season of winter in my life will not remain unchanged, and I can’t wait for the joy and peace of sweet summertime!

Whatever season you may be facing in your life, remember that God never changes. He is good all the time. Through every season, He remains on the throne and in control.

If you’re facing a springtime filled with new beginnings, be thankful for this time of change. If you are enjoying the peace and sweetness of summertime, or a refreshing time of fall, give thanks to the Lord. If you’re facing a winter filled with sadness, uncertainty, or loss, know that this season too will pass, and be thankful for the refining that may be taking place in your life (Psalm 66:10).

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Luke 12:48

…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

What would I do if I won the lottery?

I know it’s silly, but I’ll admit, just once or twice, I’ve day-dreamed about what I would buy if I suddenly became a millionaire. Of course, buying myself a new house and a new car would, I’m sure, be purchases I would make. However, to be honest, I find it more fun to think about how I would better the lives of those around me. A new house for my mom and dad, helping my friends and siblings become debt free, and donating to great local charities, are just a couple of things I would spend my winnings on.

Acquiring money may not be what life is all about, but having plenty of it, sure makes living life a whole lot easier. Most of us spend the majority of our lives working to pay our monthly utilities, saving for retirement, and trying to pay off our mortgages. We work a lot, play a little, and try to fit a few hours of sleep in on most days.

How much sweeter life would be if our house was paid for, our monthly bills were taken care of, and we could spend our days playing with our kids, visiting with friends, helping those in need, and truly making a difference in the lives of those around us.

Over the last couple of years, my spouse and I have faced many financial challenges. Moving, changing jobs, surviving the economy, and trying to keep a small business afloat, are just a few of the things we’ve had to face. We’re not alone. Over the past several years, many people have been forced to make changes, and many people have become overwhelmed by their financial hardships.

This past August, my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In one day, my focus went from paying our bills, increasing our savings, and growing our small business, to things far more important. It’s amazing how one major wake-up call from God can turn your whole life upside down. Those things that had been feeling like giant mountains, all of a sudden looked like little anthills. What truly matters in this life went from being hidden underneath a pile of junk, to being front and center.

Money and material items tend to wiggle their way into the center of our lives. We often miss out on those things that are truly priceless because our eyes are set on those things that the Bible warns us are just passing.

I may never win the lottery or have millions in the bank, but I have been far more blessed in many incredible ways. I’ve been given the opportunity to care for my mom, spend time with my children, and grow in my trust in God. He has provided for me and my family every step of the way.

You don’t have to be rich, to be richly blessed. It’s guaranteed that most of us will face hardships of one kind or another. Sometimes, we face financial hardships, and sometimes, we face a sickness or a loss. However, if you place your trust in God and depend on Him to see you through, you can spend everyday thanking Him for his faithfulness and provision. He never changes, even when your circumstances do.

And, you don’t need money to give to others. Giving of yourself and taking the time to share one another’s burdens can be an incredible gift all by itself!

After Adam and Eve sinned, sin took off on a greedy rampage, seeking to steal and destroy any good thing. Not wanting to leave us to our own demise, God sent his only son to save us from sin and its destruction.

John 10:10 says, The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (NLT) Christ came to free us from a life full of heartache and pain. He came so we may have life and have it abundantly.

My pastor once said, “Christians often live life eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, when in fact, we could be dining on steak.” After all, we are no longer dirty beggars, we are children of the King.

Ephesians 3:20 says, Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Through Christ, we are given an inheritance. We are promised a blessed life, a life more abundant than we can even imagine.

Psalm 103:1-5 says, Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

God is the only one who can forgive our sins, heal our diseases, redeem us, and renew us. He is the only one who can satisfy our desires. Often, we look to the things of this world to satisfy our wants and needs. However, the things of this life will only leave us disappointed and unfulfilled.

When we look to food, relationships, money, or power to satisfy our desires, we will always be left longing for more. God promises that only in him can we be truly satisfied.

If you’re living less than satisfied, look to God. Read his word and find encouragement in his promises. Find a verse that speaks to you, write it down or frame it, and remind God daily of his promise to you. The Bible tells us God is faithful to keep his word, and as you read his promises, you will find satifaction in knowing he is able to provide all you desire!

Have a verse or thought you would like to share?