Knowing I was feeling called to the ministry I felt like God was quiet, on that topic, for a while. I knew my ministry would happen in His timing. For three years I thanked Him for what He was doing. I learned about sitting still and just trying to be obedient until He would tell me it was time to move. Lamentations 3: 25-26, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” He taught me many lessons and gave me lots of speaking topics!
This summer I began having people ask me to speak to someone about breast cancer, mastectomies, tests, surgeries, etc. The one thing they all had in common was they need encouragement - spiritual encouragement! I began praying for, texting, sending cards, sending scriptures, keeping up with chemo treatments so we could pray together before, praying with and talking to these new friends. My list got so big that it was hard to keep up with. I asked God why?! Speaking of cancer was not what I liked doing. When it came to chemo I still cry because it was so horrible! (Thankfully, I have learned that they no longer let people take the cocktail I got because it was too hard on them!)
One morning a friend called and said God told her to call me about sending an audio to the radio station to start my women's ministry. I laughed and told her no way. I told her I didn't know what was going on but God was pushing the cancer thing on me. We agreed we would pray about it. That week three people I know and care for were diagnosed and I got two calls from friends wanting me to call their loved ones. God, you know I do not want cancer as my identity! I was so upset! God told me, "cancer is not your identity. Your identity is that you are a child of God who has gone through a tough journey and I want you to help others!" All I could do was cry! I went to the Altar the next Sunday and told God how scared I was but if He really wanted me to I would. I also did the Jill thing and asked for signs or rather billboards! And He brought them!
Your story is one of strength, hope, and obedience! Such a beautiful story to be able to share with anyone going though the ”toughest time of their life”. If we haven’t been there yet, life has a way of eventually putting us right in the middle of a storm that will require strength, hope in Him, and obedience! Thank you for being an shining light of encouragement to so many, Jill!