Last year,
my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. This year, she is cancer-free and
turned 60 today. I’m celebrating her birthday and God’s faithfulness!
2011 was a very trying year in so many respects. But on this joyous occasion, I am reminded that seasons really do change and God is able to do anything.
You might be crying right now, but weeping only endures for a night. Joy comes in the morning.
For my mom Annie’s birthday last year, our entire family surprised her. Dad took her out while the siblings (except me because my left arm and hand was still too weak and unsteady from my injury to help at the time) decorated the house in a pink and white theme for breast cancer awareness.
The glow from the fluorescent white lights that were hung throughout the house could not compare to the gleam in my mother’s eyes when she walked into the house Daily Cup family.
“Surprise!” we all yelled while dressed in pink.
She was so happy that day.
And we all treasured the moment, because it had been a terribly trying year full of moments when it looked like my sweet mother would not make it to see another.
At her lowest points, when her body was full of infection during chemo treatments, making it appear that she would lose the fight, there was something she remembered.
God was and always will be on the throne!
Her faith was strong because in the midst of great adversity the fact remained that she served an even greater God.
So do you.
That’s what I want you to know today.
Though there may be numerous “negative factors” and circumstances working against you, “The God Factor” is working for you.
The God Factor simply means that the Lord's introduction into the equation altogether changes the math. He'll take 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread and feed a multitude of thousands. When there is no food, He will rain down manna from heaven. And where there is drought and wilderness, God will bring forth water out of a rock.
When God is in the picture, no matter what it looks like, He has the power to change the entire story.
To this very day, our family stands in awe of how the Lord turned my mother’s situation around. Since her breast cancer diagnosis and now, remission, the Oncologist who treated her died of cancer, but God saw fit to spare Annie Dean Brinson’s life.
So excuse me. while I send out an "S.O.S," which a preacher once told me stands for “Scoot Over Some”... and give me a little room to get my dance on.
I am all the way in praise mode today thinking about the God Factor.
If you think about it long enough, you’ll stop worrying and start praising too.
To help you do that, I’m stirring Psalm 145:1-3 into your cup of inspiration in the Good News Translation. It says, “I will proclaim your greatness, my God and king; I will thank you forever and ever. Every day I will thank you; I will praise you forever and ever. The Lord is great and is to be highly praised; his greatness is beyond understanding.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup today, it will focus you on the greatness of our God and prayerfully, get your spirit stirred up. It will remind you that He is so mighty, able, and incapable of defeat that the potency of His power goes beyond your understanding.
So instead of trying to figure God out, just praise Him in advance for what’s already done.
How about that?
Now let’s pray.
Father, thank You, thank You, thank You a million times over for all that You have done, all that You are, and all that You will perform in my life. In times of trouble, please remind me that no matter what or who is working against me, if You, oh God, be for me and go before me, I have the power to live victoriously. Today I praise You alone. For You are my strength, my shield, my might, and all I’ll ever need to overcome any setback or negative setup, and walk into my set time of release and deliverance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
