If someone told you years ago what your current situation would be today, what would you have done? Laughed? Cried? Become so depressed that you would have dug a hole, climbed in and pulled the hole in after you? Have you experienced a wilderness so unimaginable that it seemed like you were reading a book about someone else? Are you living it now?

I have. The year was 2011. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have both breasts removed, including three painful surgeries. I was also diagnosed with melanoma. My closest friend threatened my business, my sanity and my livelihood by embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from me. She was sent to federal prison. I discovered that, because of my surgeries, I have a debilitating nerve pain illness, that unless God heals me, I will have the rest of my life. All of this followed losing my mom after caring for her through a 3-year battle with cancer and continuing to care for my dad through his 20+ year journey with Parkinson’s disease. This was happening simultaneously while we were dealing with unbelievable challenges with our special needs child. What?

If you had told me this years ago, I would have told you that I do not know who this girl is, but I definitely would not want to be her. This little girl from Pickens could never get through something so hard as all of that, and I would have been right, except for my Big, Big God. As I look back now through the lens filter called God’s grace, I have to say He lavished His blessings and miracles all over me!

Yes, I was diagnosed with breast cancer… But, they got it all and I didn’t have to have chemo or radiation!

Yes, I had to have my breasts removed … But, through the mourning, I felt Jesus’ amazing provision of love, grace and beauty in a way like I’ve never experienced.  He whispered to me that I am His beautiful child and reminded me that it is a gift that we now share scars in common.  Scars aren’t so bad–without His scars, I’d be eternally lost!

Yes, I was diagnosed with melanoma … But, again they got it all and, besides rechecks , I don’t have any follow up to do!

Yes, one of my dearest friends embezzled from me … But, God protected my business and I learned that when it comes to best friends, there’s no one like Jesus, and He knows just how it feels to be betrayed. He even used my cancer diagnoses to help me realize what’s important and forgive her!

During my recovery,  I learned more than ever just how important family and friends are and how many angels I have in my life!

Through all this, I have received a new compassion for those who suffer from physical pain, struggle with betrayal, loss of a parent, caregiving, parenting a special needs child.  Boy, have I learned a lot!

While God can bring us out of our wilderness all at once, He often does it more slowly—one day at a time. Sometimes God gives you just enough grace for today … but the great news is … that it is always enough!  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

One day at a time, He teaches us to rely on Him. One day at a time, He builds our faith. One day at a time, He deepens our relationship with Him. One day at a time, He grows our compassion to comfort someone else. The good news is that when we are going through hard times, we do not have to do it all at once. We just have to keep moving forward with His help, one day at a time.

Dear Lord: Thank You that You hold us through the hard times and are always working a plan for the good of those who love You. Please bless those that are reading this today that may be experiencing a devastating wilderness. May they experience it all through the lens filter of Your amazing grace, and know that nothing is impossible with You. Hold them close and show them the way through to the other side, one day at a time. Amen

Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

Click here for additional verses about Perseverance. 

Are you living through an impossible wilderness? Or has God recently brought you through one? We would love to know how to pray for you. Please share your thoughts, experiences and requests with us. 

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God hold you close and comfort and guide you through the wildernesses of this life.