Story Time - Encouragement Café - October 20, 2016

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Story Time
By Jamy Whitaker
Thursday, October 20, 2016

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.  Psalm 107:2a NIV

I have always loved books.  Even as a small child, I would grab a stack, sit down and look through them for hours.  The common thread through most books – fiction and nonfiction – is a story. 

Stories are so wonderful and inspiring.  However, do not think for one moment that great stories are only limited to best-selling authors.  Psalm 107:2a tells each one of us just the opposite.

Each one of us has a story to tell.

Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and get comfortable as I begin to share a story that it very near and dear to me.

It was a brisk November day as I made my way across the parking lot and into the doctor’s office.  My mind was going in several different directions as I mentally made a to-do list and tried to decide how to spend my day – my birthday.  The appointment should not take long.  It was just a follow-up from my procedure a few weeks earlier.

I was so lost in thought that I almost didn’t hear the nurse call my name.  It seemed a little odd that she didn’t stop and have me weigh in – always my least favorite – maybe it was her birthday present to me. 

The sweet little nurse ushered me into the doctor’s office and not the normal exam room.  It was out of the ordinary, but the waiting room was so full I didn’t think much about it.  I simply made myself comfy on the couch, pulled out my Kindle and started reading.

Before long, the doctor entered the room with my chart.  He had this serious look on his face and then said,

We need to talk.  The pause seemed like an eternity.  The path results came back and it’s not good.  It’s cancer.

After hearing the “C” word everything else went into slow motion.  Jumbled phrases were making their way through the fog,

Caught it early, surgery is necessary, andmost likely contained.

I couldn’t believe this was happening.  I’m only in my 30s.  This was just a follow-up.  The doctor has to have picked up the wrong file.  I simply needed to wake-up.  It had to just be a nightmare. 

The next thing I knew I was handed an appointment card for a specialist – gynecological oncologist – in Indianapolis.

Fast forward to the week after my surgery, the results were in – everything was taken care of and no further treatments were needed.  I was overwhelmed and dropped to my knees and thanked God.

He gets all the glory for this result.

I have shared my story with numerous people in order for them to realize that God is active in our lives.  Yes, in this particular case, God healed me of the cancer.  However, there are some instances where you and I must face trials in order to be able to turn around and help others through a similar circumstance.

We all need to keep in mind that God has done so much for us.  He longs for us to share with others the wondrous things He has done.  Do not keep these experiences to yourself – share your story.

Take a moment and think about your story.  

What has God done for you?  Is there someone you can tell?

Write it out in your journal.

Heavenly Father, thank You for redeeming us from our foe.  Thank You for giving us a story to tell and encouraging us to tell it.  Grant us boldness and courage to tell it whenever You prompt us to do so.  We love You Lord, and we share our story for Your glory.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

© 2016 by Jamy Whitaker.  All rights Reserved.

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