Thriving When the Heat is On - Part 3 - Win the Day

I think countless others now feel your same pain, Nancy, with the job loss. What has happened to America is a travesty on so many levels. However, as Believers, we know that amidst the chaos God is in control. Our trust in Him is on trial because He knows Faith not tested cannot be trusted.

I'm reflecting back on something that came to me September 18, 2016 that I believe God shared with me that same year I battled late-stage 3 cancer and it is this: There's purpose in your pain. You learn things when in pain that are not learned without pain.

Know that God is more concerned for our growth than our pain because He knows our pain is temporal but our growth is eternal. Life is but a vapor during which time He is preparing us for eternity. So, embrace the pain, embrace the trial and know this too shall pass.

In 2016, my #1 prayer that entire year of experiences I would NEVER have wished on my worst enemy was this: "Please, Lord, help me to learn what I need to learn through my cancer so that I NEVER have to go through this again." That He did. My priorities have changed. My perceptions have vastly improved transforming my disciplines and behaviors.

For the same reasons we don't want to pray for patience, we don't want to go through the pain of our circumstances. I can only encourage that you remain thankful in all things regardless of the pain. I did and I'm a living testament today that there is healing in gratitude. In fact, did you know there are about 1,200 chemicals that occur in our body to heal and restore it when in a state of gratitude? AMAZING!! No wonder God encourages and commands us in Philippians 4:8 to think only on the positive. We must monitor our thoughts to manage our behavior. God is good!!!