Editor's note: What's your story of faith? Today's devotional is from the new Jesus Calling: 365-day Devotions with Real-Life Stories -- stories of real people whose lives have been changed by an encounter with Jesus. Anita shares her personal story of when a pastor gave her a copy of Jesus Calling after her diagnosis of breast cancer. We pray that you are uplifted and encouraged by her message today. Also, don't miss the newest Jesus Calling podcast with artist and poet Morgan Harper Nichols!
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Devotional Reading by Sarah Young, from Jesus Calling
Trust Me with every fiber of your being!
What I can accomplish in and through you is proportional to how much you depend on Me.
One aspect of this is the degree to which you trust Me in a crisis or major decision. Some people fail miserably here, while others are at their best in tough times. Another aspect is even more telling: the constancy of your trust in Me. People who rely on Me in the midst of adversity may forget about Me when life is flowing smoothly. Difficult times can jolt you into awareness of your need for Me, whereas smooth sailing can lull you into the stupor of self-sufficiency.
I care as much about your tiny trust-steps through daily life as about your dramatic leaps of faith. You may think that no one notices, but the One who is always beside you sees everything—and rejoices. Consistently trusting in Me is vital to flourishing in My Presence.
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
— Psalm 40:4
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
— Psalm 56:3-4
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
—Psalm 62:8
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
— Isaiah 26:3-4
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ANITA’S STORY
In January 2012, I went in for what I thought would be a routine mammogram. But instead of hearing that everything was fine and I could prepare to check out at the front, I was called back to an examination room. The doctor wanted to do an ultrasound. When I heard that, my heart started beating faster. I prayed, “Lord, help me stay calm because I know You are always with me.” Then the doctor showed me the area of concern on the monitor and told me they would schedule a biopsy. My mind started racing with multiple scenarios and what-ifs. I went back home and tried to stay calm around my family so I wouldn’t upset them.
After the biopsy, I was at school one day preparing for my next group of students when I got a phone call. As soon as I answered, I heard, “This is Dr. _______. Your biopsy indicates breast cancer. We have an appointment for you to see Dr. _______.” This short, clinical call changed my world! Tears started streaming, and I called the school office to tell them I had to leave.
People in my world began to support me right away. A friend came over to my house. The principal brought my grandson home from school. Prayers started flowing in from concerned family and friends, and I began asking people for help. I’d never imagined I would be asking others to do so many things for me! I had to learn to allow my family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to help me in countless ways. Even with so much support, I remained extremely anxious. I was constantly worrying.
I called my minister, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer the previous fall, and I asked her, “How am I going to handle all of this?” She listened carefully to my concerns, prayed for me, and then recommended a devotional book: Jesus Calling. She assured me that every day’s message in this book touched her personally. I went to the bookstore that very day and bought the 365-day journaling edition. Later, I was given two more copies: a small edition and a large, leather-bound edition. I kept the small book at work and the other two in different rooms at home.
Just as I had hoped, I found devotional messages that spoke to me personally. On January 22, the day before my appointment with the surgeon, I read: “Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties.” On January 26, I found: “My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark.” I wrote in my journal that day: “Lord, please help me to let Your light shine through me when I am talking to others about my illness.”
In the February 2 entry, I read: “Train your mind to seek Me in every moment, every situation. Sometimes you can find Me in your surroundings: a lilting birdsong, a loved one’s smile.” As I read this, my beloved grandson was sitting beside me, reading the kid’s edition of Jesus Calling.
On February 11, I found these words: “My Peace is like a shaft of golden Light shining on you continuously.” My journal entry for that day was: “The sun was beaming light through the window on this 17-degree February morning as I was reading the devotional. I am facing surgery on Friday, and I pray for God’s Peace.”
I’m happy to report that my cancer treatment was successful and I am thriving — living joyfully and gratefully. Jesus continues to give me peace of heart and mind. Jesus Calling helps me read Scripture, enjoy Jesus’ Presence, and talk to Him through prayer.
Excerpted with permission from Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions with Real-Life Stories by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.
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Your Turn
Leaning on Jesus lets His light shine through us. Even in crisis. Even in fear and worry. People see our faith when fear turns to praise and trust. How can you lean more into Jesus today? Come share with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily
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