The winner of my set of 3 CD’s on Finding Faith over Fear goes to… Jessica
jesslinjones@aol.com
Congrats, Jessica! Please email me with your mailing address.
I appreciate each of your comments. I have prayed for you, hurt with you, and rejoiced with you. Press on, friends. God intends for you to have a faith stronger than all your fear.
I want to share this response with you to encourage you that our God is not a God of coincidence. He is sovereign. He cares. He sees your needs and His grace is sufficient!
“Is it a shock that someone posting here would admit to having suffered through childhood, and even adulthood, without the love and appreciation of her earthly father? Not really, as your words speak to those who nurse these types of hidden wounds, searching for validation, and learning to trust in the unconditional love of Abba Father. Is it odd then that someone should mention a connection to the brain trauma story – both in physical ailment and in being asked to walk a similar spiritual path?
Many pray for miraculous healings every day, and many live with the “if there is no cure, then endure” philosophy, but how often do we remember to simply lay our burdens at the foot of the Cross? Is it even more so coincidental that the main character in your story and I share the same name?
God’s providence perhaps…
I have been diagnosed twice with brain tumors, once in 2004 – having that one removed – and then again in 2008; the current one is considered technically inoperable. And despite the pain caused by the tumor, and the seemingly unanswered prayers for healing, I am able to use this trial as an opportunity for testimony. I can’t say that every day is easy; I am very grateful for my understanding children (I am a single mom) and my loving, supportive church family. However, I know that in my weakness – and believe me, I am VERY weak! – the Lord’s strength shines through!”
~ Annie
Will you pray for Annie today? Perhaps leave her a word of encouragement in the comment section. I know it would bless her.
Have a wonderful weekend, friends! You are loved.
Michele Caséca says
Hi Annie,
Our sweet Lord is watching over you.
Sometimes I find it hard to say God is in control of every single situation, but the truth is that He really is in control… in control of your pain, your worries, your concerns, your health, your family!
Can I pray for you, Annie?
Heavenly Father, You know our shortcomings. You understand us and promise to never leave or forsake us. Your love surpasses our sin. Your compassion overcomes our disobedience. Your arms stretch out from the heavens to the darkest places on this earth. Praise You for Your are a mighty God. Your discipline perfects us and returns us to You. We can never run away. Lord, as Annie struggles with her disease, would You remind her whose she is? I pray You would use this event and anything that relates, to turn hearts toward You.
Father, remind Annie: When she is weak, You are strong. When she can’t, You can. When she quakes in fear as she consider the future, You will not be moved as you consider You surpassing love for your children. Send peace, send mercies, send comfort in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Annie, you are in my prayers. If you need to contact my e-mail is mcaseca@gmail.com.
Love,
Michele Caséca
Michele Caséca says
Hi Micca,
Thank you for giving Annie an opportunity to share her story and find encouragement.
Dear friend, please don’t stop praying for me. It’s been such a hard week, full of important decisions I have to make to walk towards God’s will. It hasn’t been easy.
You are beautiful Micca, and God has put you in my heart and I’ve been praying for you as well.
I love you,
Michele Caséca
Mary Snyder says
Dear Annie —
Your story is both heart wrenching and inspiring. To read your words as you walk through this difficult journey inspires me to leap out in faith. God has called you to a most difficult walk, He’s entrusted you with an incredible (and hard) message. He has given you the ability to speak into lives of people who would never otherwise listen. I don’t even pretend to understand how difficult and just plain ol’ hard it is to be in your shoes. I am praying for you and I’ll consider it an honor to do so.
Lord, show Annie Your Glory. Use her mightily in Your Kingdom work and all her just a small window into HOW you are using her story to impact Your children.
Lord, give her comfort and Lord I ask for a complete healing for Annie.
Heather Bleier says
Annie,
I think so few have offered words of comfort, because so few know just what to say that would be comforting or uplifting. I’m not sure my words would do any good either, but I do know our God.
Our God promised us that He would never leave us nor forsake us. That His ways are higher than our ways. He sees and know the glorious plan He has laid out for us…even if we don’t get to understand that plan (frustrating as it sounds). I have suffered much during my own lifetime and I know what it means to press into God, trusting in Him for whatever may come.
I ask Him to reveal Himslef to you each and every day. That you may recognize His face, His compassion, and His LOVE in powerful ways through this journey. I will be praying for you and for those who love you as you go through this trial.
Yours in Christ,
Heather Bleier
Nancy Gregg says
Dear Annie, I pray that you continue to be held up by God’s peace and comfort especially on those days that are tougher to get through than others. May God’s blessings continue to increase.
Jackie S. says
Annie, you are certainly in my prayers! I pray you will feel HIS strength, peace and power through this journey. Bless you for being willng to be a testimony to others!
AnnMarie says
Dear Annie,
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His countenance shine on you and bring you peace, hope and strength. Our Father is faithful and He is there watching over you and your children and He will never leave nor forsake you. Keep seeking and pursuing Him because everything that you need is found in Him. I pray that you will keep looking up even though at times it is hard.
Suzanne says
Annie-
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11)
Though tremendous pain has been allowed in your life, it does not define who you are and who you will be tomorrow. God has a plan. He always does. May Jehovah Raffa be with you in a whole new way in the midst of what you are going through. It is my prayer tonight that unending joy is released to you during this time and that you experience overwhelming hope in the midst of your trials. You are loved. You are cherished. The Creator of the universe sings songs over your life (Zephaniah 3:17). May you relish in that fact! May you experience His peace now and always. I will continue to pray as God brings you to mind.