Events in our lives are puzzle pieces to God's MASTERPIECE Pintrest.com
M MIRACLES MY STORY At birth, the umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck and I took my 1 st breath inside of my mother and inhaled the amniotic fluid. I was put on a heart and lung bypass machine (ECMO) and I became the first baby girl in the south to survive on that machine. (MIRACLE #1). Throughout my life, my lungs were not great, but I was able to play sports in both high school and college. To me, I lived a normal life. I got married to an amazing man and we had a beautiful little boy (MIRACLE #2) two years later. I began to have trouble with my lungs during my pregnancy (due to Pseudomonas) and they continued to get worse from there. Two years after our son was born, we heard about a lung transplant for the first time. My family and I were shocked, scared, upset, etc. We knew that a lung transplant was in my future, but we never dreamed it would be that soon. We prayed and prayed to our Heavenly Father for the right path to take. At first, I did not want the transplant. I was fearful of leaving my family before I was ready. One Sunday, I learned that we have to pray for God s will to be done, NOT OURS. Something during that Sunday sermon clicked in my heart and I completely gave my worries to the Lord and prayed for His will to be done. We visited the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio first. Based on several reasons, we felt led to visit Duke for another opinion. After my evaluation week, we got the call saying that I was in the window. This meant that I would have to relocate to NC, complete a specific number of days in rehab and then hopefully be put on the list. When we got that call, my husband and I were a little scared and very thankful at the same time. We prayed to God for Him to lead us in the right direction and we truly felt like this was His plan. We trusted Him every step of the way. My plans for relocation changed and came a lot sooner than we had planned when one of my lungs collapsed. I was transferred to Duke University Hospital for further medical assistance. While in the hospital, I was put on the transplant list. We received a call that they had found a match and accepted God s plan that it was time. The Lord was with me every step of the way and it is because of Him (and the prayers that so many people) that I got through this journey. After surgery, I was in the hospital for a total of 10 days and then started rehab 2 days later. I was able to relocate home about 8 weeks after my surgery. (MIRACLE #3) Looking back on my journey, I can see God s hand in every single step. He is an amazing God and I would not be where I am today without His help. Because of this journey, I have become closer to Him than I could have ever imagined. I wanted to share my story with everyone possible, so they can see how amazing He truly is.no matter what you are facing.
TURN TO GOD WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS BECAUSE HE IS THE ONE WHO PERFORMS MIRACLES Miracles can and do happen but only through your faith in God. (John 14:11) https://plus.google.com/112669939352452672894/posts/bw7tkezxt93 Jesus said, If you can! All things are possible for one who believes. (Mark 9:23) http://www.thequotepedia.com/miracles-happen-to-those-who-believe-ifyou-believe-in-something-with-all-your-heart-and-mind-you-bring-it-to-lifemiracles-quote/ Don t just pray about what seems logical and possible. Pray hard about the impossible. God will show you that nothing, nothing, nothing is impossible with Him EVER!
http://coffeeandchacos.tumblr.com/post/106271834633/he-performswonders-than-cannot-be-fathomed
A ANSWERS WHY LET GOD HANDLE OUR PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF US? 1. Gives us a better relationship with God - Believing in God helps people turn to Him even more when suffering occurs...not just the one who is physically or emotionally suffering but also those who are witnesses to the actual suffering that occurs. Everyone who turns to God (whether you are the one who suffers or whether you are the witness) will improve their relationship with Him. - Anger is a step in the grieving process. Those hoping to be free from their suffering also face this step. Many get angry with God thinking it is His fault, but those who turn to Him during this time (without anger) receive peace. When we have peace, we become more grateful for the good God has done, and thereby, we become closer to Him. http://jesuslovesusall.tumblr.com/post/19791668786/psalm-375 2. Gives us a sense of peace God's peace remains with those who suffer when they are aware that He is with them at ALL times. During this time of suffering, trusting God's word is extremely important. The devil will find ways to cause problems during this time. Turn to God and stay focused on Him and the devil will turn away.
Faith is believing and trusting that God will and not that God might. God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand His wisdom but we simply have to trust His will. http://jspark3000.tumblr.com/post/23609096238/you-might-need-thistoday-proverbs-35-6 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. (Psalm 56:3)
S SELECT BIBLE VERSES AND DEVOTIONALS TO READ DAILY TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH THE HARD TIMES Devotional: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young is a devotional that a friend gave to me. It has honestly helped me (as well as my family) more than words can express. I highly recommend it to anyone going through hard times. It brought such peace to our hearts. Bible Verses: John 11:40, 14:11, 14:20, 14:27,15:7, 16:33 Job 5:9 2 Corinthians 4:7, 5:7, 12:9-10 Matthew 5:4, 6:34, 8:13, 9:28-30, 17:20, 19:26 Psalms 9:10, 16:8, 22:11, 27:5, 28:6-7, 29:11, 30:2, 34:4, 37:5, 46:2, 46:10, 55:22, 61:1-2, 69:3, 69:30, 73:23-24, 86:12, 91:11, 106:2, 107:19-21, 119:105 Hebrews 11:1, 11:6, 12:28-29 Mark 4:39, 5:34, 9:23, 11:23-24 Isaiah 40:29-31, 41:10, 58:8, 58:11 Proverbs 3:5-6 Joshua 1:5, 1:9 Exodus 14:14 Deuteronomy 31:6, 31:8 Jeremiah 1:19, 17:14, 33:6 Ephesians 3:16-17, 6:10-11 Luke 8:50 1 Chronicles 16:24-25 James 1:17 Colossians 2:6-7 Acts 17:28
T TIMING FAITH IN GOD INCLUDES FAITH IN HIS TIMING God will provide ways for people to cross your path and influence your thoughts at the right time and when you least expect it. The first thing to know is that God s timing is PERFECT! Things may not happen when we want them to, but we have to trust God and know that things will happen when He wants them to. Trust me by relinquishing control into My hands. Let go and recognize that I am God. This is My world: I made it and I control it. Jesus Calling Pg. 12 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30) Our human nature makes waiting for God s timing difficult. Patience is a spiritual fruit and the Bible makes it clear that God is pleased with us when we display this virtue (Psalm 37:7). http://dailybiblememe.com/2014/01/10/lamentations-325/lamentations3-25/
E EVEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON GIVE GOD THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES KNOWING THAT HE WORKS ON HIS OWN TIME All things (good or bad) happen for a reason. Remember to pray God's will, NOT YOURS. Pray "Our Father...God's will be done." Make it about Him rather than about you. God works on his own time. As humans we like to control our own circumstances. We, however, cannot control God's will. Once we understand this, we must trust Him. His timing is perfect. "Let go and let God." http://www.thequotepedia.com/quotes/god/page/77/ Challenging circumstances draw people closer to God. Remember, even when certain things happen to you (good or bad), it can build your relationship with God and can also bring others closer to Him as well. Seeing how God works through you is a reward in itself. Pray to God. Seek first His kingdom and everything will be okay.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34) I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High. (Psalm 7:17) The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7)
R RULES TRUSTING GOD WHEN YOU DONT UNDERSTAND For many years, God has taken people from that "oh so familiar" place and redirected their paths into an unfamiliar place. You don t understand what s happening.what to do or where to go. The most important thing you can do is hold onto the wordinstruction, promise, and vision. Whenever I felt like I didn t understand what God was doing and/or allowing to happen in my life, I came across these 4 things. I hope they can be just as helpful to you as they were to me. https://encouragementsthroughtheword.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/trustinggod-when-you-dont-understand-by-naquan/ 1.) CONSIDER THE SOURCE - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:13) - Only God can say such a thing - God knows everything: the past, the present and the future. Our knowledge and understanding doesn't compare to God's, even when it applies to our own lives. - When you don't understand what God is doing in your life, ask yourself the question- Are you trusting God or yourself? *Man is fallible (capable of making mistakes) and we make promises we are unable to keep at times. Man gives instructions that are sometimes misleading and imperfect. With God all things are possible. He keeps his promises and gives you the right instructions according to His perfect will. RULES: - No matter how much you don't understand, no matter hard it seems, no matter how hard it gets... DONT GIVE UP! - If the same God who created you knows everything and is with you now, what can stand against you? - Consider the source and seek to be obedient even when you don't understand what God is doing in your life. - Don't worry about your life because God is in control. He knows all things that are necessary for you.
2.) TRUST THE LORD - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) - When you learn to trust the Lord, you will begin to have a sense of rest- that he has everything under control even when your life seems out of control. - Trusting in God puts you in a situation where you seek his presence, provision, guidance, and promises. RULES: - Stop stressing yourself out: losing sleep, being weary, anxious, worried, depressed, sad, etc. - Don't try to understand the ways of God because it is impossible to do so. - Man cannot understand the things of God for God's ways are higher than man. (Romans 11:33). 3.) BE OBEDIENT - Obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22) - When God gives you instruction and you re in a situation where you don't understand, you need to be reminded to be obedient and trust in the one who DOES understand- Christ. -Obedience leads to blessing and life, while disobedience leads to curses and death. (Deuteronomy 30:15) 4.) GOD WILL LEAD YOU The Lord said to Abraham, " Leave your native country and your father's family and go to the land I will show you." (Genesis 12:1) - Abraham did not know where he was going. He only had the instruction of the Lord to depend on. He could have asked many questions but instead he chose to trust. - It was by his FAITH Abraham obeyed God. He went without knowing anything about where he was going and what it would be like when he got there. - We would like God to give us the what, when, where, and how but He does not work that way. He places us in situations where we have to learn to trust him. He will give you piece by piece as you trust and obey. This increases your faith and you learn to walk by faith and not by sight - Don't let the devil fool you into believing that you will never make it out of this situation because you WILL.
RULES: - Encourage yourself in the Lord daily (devotional- Jesus Calling: favorites- pg. 132, 166, 186) - Read His word. - Pray without ceasing and seek His face. - When you become worried about what God is doing in your life. - Trust Him with all your heart. - Be obedient to His will. - Trust that He will lead you
P PROMISES made by God in the BIBLE If you wish to know God s promises, you can familiarize yourself with the following verses. Bible Verses: John 11:40, 14:11, 14:20, 14:27,15:7, 16:33 Job 5:9 2 Corinthians 4:7, 5:7, 12:9-10 Matthew 5:4, 6:34, 8:13, 9:28-30, 17:20, 19:26 Psalms 9:10, 16:8, 22:11, 27:5, 28:6-7, 29:11, 30:2, 34:4, 37:5, 46:2, 46:10, 55:22, 61:1-2, 69:3, 69:30, 73:23-24, 86:12, 91:11, 106:2, 107:19-21, 119:105 Hebrews 11:1, 11:6, 12:28-29 Mark 4:39, 5:34, 9:23, 11:23-24 Isaiah 40:29-31, 41:10, 58:8, 58:11 Proverbs 3:5-6 Joshua 1:5, 1:9 Exodus 14:14 Deuteronomy 31:6, 31:8 Jeremiah 1:19, 17:14, 33:6 Ephesians 3:16-17, 6:10-11 Luke 8:50 1 Chronicles 16:24-25 James 1:17 Colossians 2:6-7 Acts 17:28
I IMAGINE - Imagine having a best friend to talk to who has all the right answers. - Imagine having someone here with you every minute you need them. - Imagine someone that can give you peace when you least expect it. - Imagine someone that you can actually trust when sharing your inner most feelings and fears. - Imagine someone actually loving you more than anyone else ever could. - Imagine someone who knows you more than you know yourself. - Imagine someone who will never lead your side. - Imagine someone who gives you the greatest give of all time free of charge SALVATION! ONLY GOD CAN DO THESE THINGS!!!
E EXTREME GRADITUDE GIVE GOD THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES No matter the circumstances, the outcomes, or the challenges you face in your life, remember that God has total control. Recall that God does everything for his will and on his timing. Think about it though if our problems or challenges can: - improve our relationship with God - bring others together in prayer - improve the relationship of others with God Then isn t it true that God wants us to be a true example of faith and trust in him? Shine your light for Christ and give him all praise and glory. Aren t we all called to be his disciples? And whatever you do, whether it in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17) http://www.duoparadigms.com/2013/03/04/15-beautiful-examples-of-christianbibleverse-typography/ You are the light of the world. Like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. So go let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14,16)
C CAN YOU TRUST GOD TRUSTING GOD WHEN YOU DONT UNDERSTAND Trusting God is knowing that he loves you at all times and that he has the power to help you. We need God s help. God wants us to put him first in our lives. He wants us to have trust in him. He wants us to have confidence in him. The best way to hear God is through his word. Know his word! When we hear God speaking to us through his word, we gain peace, joy, and understanding. I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) Why is knowing God s word important? - All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) - The Bible shows us God s love and compassion for us. - It helps us learn to live and be a witness for God. It also teaches us to allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives. - It shows us that we CAN trust God (If we understand how loving God is and how wonderful his purpose is for us, then we should have no trouble trusting him).
E EVIDENCE Today, I can truly say that I am living an easier, more enjoyable life. I am able to sleep without oxygen for the first time in 3½ years, as well as get out of the house and enjoy the day (without having to use/carry oxygen). I can also exercise, and most importantly enjoy time with my family. Instead of having to watch my husband and son play, I am able to join them in all kinds of activities. It s an amazing feeling and I know that I have my Heavenly Father to thank. He has blessed me with a second chance at life and I will forever be thankful to Him. My relationship with God has always been good, but going through these difficult times has helped me draw even closer to Him and trust that HIS plan is ALWAYS perfect! Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of My Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My Face. Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy. Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven. Jesus Calling GLORY, HONOR, TRUST, FAITH and HOPE = ALL PEACE and JOY in my life! God has given me a great GIFT. Glory to God Infinite grace from God Faith in God Trust in God Events in our Lives are like puzzle pieces to God s MASTERPIECE!